Wingate – John Howard McCorkle, age 77, life resident of Wingate community, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2016 following a lengthy illness, in Essex Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lebanon. John was born in Lafayette, August 6, 1938 son of the late Charles Howard and Irene McCoy McCorkle.

He was a graduate of Coal Creek Central High School. He then attended Purdue University and Lincoln College. He then began farming with his brother Andrew on the family farm just north of Wingate. He had a love of animals and cattle. John belonged to New Hope Chapel in Wingate and Kiwanis in Crawfordsville.

John was one of the unique colorful, characters of Wingate. He never met a stranger, was well known, a caring and compassionate man. He marched to his own tune and rarely looked at the clock. He was proud of his family heritage and enjoyed telling the story of Cyrus McCormick sending an early 'reaper' by rail from Chicago and demonstrated its use on his family's farm.

Surviving along with his brother Andrew McCorkle are cousins: Sankey Blondin (husband Art), Noel McCoy, Patricia Champlin, Gretchen Smyth (husband Ray), Margaret Dolan, Ann Garber, Gerald Risk (deceased), Mary Jo Risk and a community of people who had the great opportunity to know John McCorkle.

A memorial service celebrating the life of John wil be held, at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, 3:00 p.m. March 13, 2016 with Pastor Duane Mycroft officiating. Friends may gather from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. service time to share stories and reminisce. Memorial contributions may be directed to New Hope Chapel or Meharry Cemetery. To share a memory or leave a condolence visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com