John Harold Woolums, 81, of New Castle went to heaven on the morning of Saturday, December 17 after a lengthy illness.

He was born on November 4, 1941 in New Castle, a son of Charles and Margaret (Paige) Woolums

John attended New Castle Chrysler High School and later enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Navy Seal for six years during the Korean Conflict and Cuban Crisis visiting all seven continents. He owned and operated Woolums Heating and Refrigeration Company for over 50 years and was current member of the First Christian Church in Mooreland. He also operated Hamburger Heaven on 18th street where he served people free of charge. John enjoyed fishing, cooking, the daily Wordle and was an enthusiastic story teller. John also enjoyed driving a church bus while handing out candy and telling people about Jesus.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Gail Woolums; children, Mark (Marie) Woolums of Chicago, Jessica Bean of New Castle, Karen Woolums of Muncie and step-daughter, Heidi Crabtree of New Castle; grandchildren, Hunter, Tori, Kayley, Hayden, Conor, Ann, Corbin and Conner; great-grandchildren, Carlen, Carter, Caiden; a sister, Mary Lou Poore and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Dishman; second wife, Patsy Kissick; step-children, Hilary and Holland.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Nathan Edwards and Pastor Paul Lawson officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition.

Friends may call from 11 – 1 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Samaritans Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online

You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of John Woolums.