John E. Morningstar

John E. Morningstar, 77, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at his home in rural Auburn, Indiana.

He was born on Dec. 9, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

John was a 1966 graduate of Auburn High School. He graduated from IPFW in Fort Wayne with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Supervision.

He married Cynthia Ann Kretz on Aug. 1, 1970, in Auburn, Indiana.

John was a mobile home salesman for Burt Dickman while he was in college. He then owned and operated Morningstar Masonry for 15 years and then went to work for Auburn Concrete and Masonry in Auburn for more than 30 years as a job estimator.

John was a member of Elks Lodge #1978 in Auburn, where he served three terms as Exalted Ruler. Through the Elks, John founded the Susie Bishop poker game and golf outing to raise money for cancer research in Susie’s memory.

He founded the Sons of the American Legion Post 97 in Auburn in 1974, and was honored with a lifetime membership. He served as president of the advisory committee for the DeKalb County 4-H Horse and Pony Club for 10 years, where he also enjoyed announcing the shows.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, following Purdue University sports, umpiring little league, snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, playing cards at the Elks and loved his dogs.

He was an avid race fan and enjoyed going to the races at Eldora Speedway in New Weston, Ohio.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Cindy Morningstar, of Auburn; two children, Netha Diane (Shawn Wells) Morningstar, of Kendallville and William Charles Morningstar, of Columbia Station, Ohio; and a granddaughter, Lexie LaLone, of Kendallville.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Beatrice (Luttman) and William Powell; three half-brothers; and two half-sisters.

A Elks service will take place at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Elks Lodge #1978, 311 E. 9th St., Auburn, followed by a celebration of John’s life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John E. Morningstar, please visit our floral store.