John Marshall Lebo, age 90, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, February 5, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
Born February 6, 1933, in Winamac, Indiana, to Vernal Alfred and Thelma Estelle Clements Lebo, John was a life-long resident of this community. He earned a Bachelor of Science, and 2 Masters of Arts, and Education degrees at Ball State University. John played on both the baseball and basketball teams at Ball State, and lettered each year in both sports. He worked as a business teacher and coach at Richmond High School before becoming the first Dean of Students there. He went on to become Principal at Richmond High School, retiring in 1996, after 28 years. John loved his Richmond community and was always motivated to help others around him. After his retirement, he served on the board of the Wayne County Health Department for 20 years. He also helped to form the Wellcare Community Health Center, and served on that board as chairman until recently. John was also a hearing officer for middle and elementary schools in the Richmond Community school system.
John helped to found the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and was the first executive director of that organization. He coordinated legendary fundraisers for the Football Hall of Fame, including WWF “Big Time Wrestling” bouts and Harlem Globetrotter shows, held at the Richmond High School gymnasium.
John served on Congressman Phil Sharp’s Academy Steering Committee for 12 years. He was awarded “Educator of the Year” in 1994 by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and The Palladium Item. In 1995, Governor Evan Bayh awarded him membership in the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash, the highest award a civilian can receive from an Indiana Governor.
John also served in the Third Armored Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1961. In 2008, the U.S. Congress made him a member of The American Legion.
Besides being a schoolteacher and administrator, John was a beloved coach and mentor in various sports. He coached baseball at Richmond High School for 12 years, and Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team for 8 years. Under his leadership, the RHS team won 3 conference championships, 9 sectional championships, 4 regional championships, 1 semi-state championship, and 1 state final championship. Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team highlights include 7 district championships, 4 regional championships and 4 state final championships. Before he came to Richmond, he taught and coached baseball, basketball, football, and track at both Monterey, Indiana and Kendallville, Indiana high schools.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Diane Lebo; daughter, Ronna (Chip Bunker) Lebo of Plainfield, NJ and daughter Amy (Kevin) Booth of Indianapolis; and son John Todd Lebo of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Dustyn Kim, Robert Bunker, Megan Lebo, Abigail Lebo, Zack Lebo, Mazzy Booth, Macsen Booth, Cody Lebo, and Kelcey Reece; great grandchildren, Mason Kim, Lyla Kim, and Peter Bunker; brother, Ernest Robert (Betty) Lebo; sisters, Sherry (Ron) Sumrak, Georgia (Jeff) Swartzell, Beverly Hubbs, and Judy Ash; sisters in law, Jimmie Shows Lebo and, Ann Richards Lebo; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Clarke Lebo; parents; and brothers, Ronald Lebo and James Lebo.
Visitation for John Marshall Lebo will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. A Time of Sharing will be at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, followed by military honors by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Richmond High School for the John Marshall Lebo Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Attn: Sally Porter, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, Indiana 47374
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.