John P. Clester

John P. Clester, 81, passed away at 7:32 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at IU Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie.

He was born in Kokomo, the son of the late Carl and Margery (Russell) Clester.

John attended Miami grade school, where he was in 4H Jr Leaders and worked on his family farm. He graduated from Clay Township High School in Miami County in 1962, where he was also the class president.

He furthered his education at Manchester University, earning a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education, IPFW, earning his Masters in Education and then IUPUI, earning his Doctorate of Education.

John was a life long educator. He became a teacher for several years, and was a mentor and coach for the basketball and football teams. He advanced his career to become a school principal for 25 years, mostly in the Eastbrook School Corporation, in Grant County.

After his retirement, John became the President and Operations Manager for the Indiana Eyeglass Recycling Center for over 20 years where he worked tirelessly, doing God's work, to distribute over 33 million pairs of used eyeglasses free around the world.

John was later introduced to DOCARE International where he made lifelong friends traveling to Guatemala. He always traveled where there was a need, going on a total of 89 eyeglass missions. His outreach assisted thousands of people to see again and improve their daily lives. His love for mission work brought him to other organizations such as RAM, with whom he also volunteered.

He was a member of the Matthews Lions Club and Lions Club International for over 40 years.

John is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Wynette) Ruiz, Fishers; brother, Joe (Robin) Clester, Florida; sister, Karen Cedars, Kokomo; and three granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Arlene F. Clester; his parents, and a brother, Dewey (Linda) Hoppe.

John's wishes were to be cremated. He will be eternally in our Lord's presence as he was joyfully reunited with his love, Arlene.

Dad had a passion for feeding animals, donating hundreds of pounds of food to the local shelters. You can honor his memory by donating to any local animal shelter of your choice in his name. He would've loved that.