John D. Switzer

John D. Switzer, 91, of Lafayette, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born October 7, 1934, in Battle Ground, IN, to the late Lowell and Vallie (Royer) Switzer.

John married Betty Cornell on January 11, 1953, in Battle Ground and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2009.

On May 7, 2016, he married Ruth Keown in Lafayette and she survives.

John drove 18-wheeler tankers for Standard Oil Company for approximately 25 years, retiring in 1987.  Later, he drove lift trucks for a power line company and delivery trucks for the Spurlock Toy Store in Lafayette.

He was a member of the Lafayette Pentecostal Church of God.  In addition to being a member of the local church; he also faithfully blessed the State Offices of the Indiana District PCG by mowing their conference center grounds located at SR 26 E and 900 East in Lafayette for approximately 20 years.

John enjoyed fox hunting, mowing, driving and spending time with friends and family.

Surviving along with his wife are his children Debra (Thomas) Branham of Lafayette, IN, Ratona Warnock of Houston, TX, Joni Ross of Milledgeville, GA, and Jill (David) Smith of Greenwood, IN; 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are siblings, Patrick (Marilee) Switzer of Lafayette and Diane Campbell of Pensacola, FL; and a special “nephew-in-law,” Donald “Joey” Wheat, Jr.

John was preceded in death by his siblings Avelene McCaul and Richard Switzer.

Graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, Rev. Ed Underwood officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette Pentecostal Church of God in John’s memory.