John L. Nave

John Lewis Nave, 96, passed away at his home on August 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones into the arms of Jesus. He was born on April 15, 1930, in Fairmount, Indiana to Wilda Gladys (Lewis) and John M. Nave. Growing up, John's father owned a dump truck business. His passion for fixing engines was born when he learned to repair them, working by his father's side.

Although they both attended Fairmount High School, John didn't meet the love of his life, Marilyn Joann (Vardaman), until after high-school. They were united in marriage on February 21, 1951, beginning a 75-year love story. Just months after saying "I do", John was called to serve in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953; stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. When his service was complete, he returned to Fairmount and began raising his family with Christ as the cornerstone. John worked several years repairing and painting vehicles in different body shops, plastering homes in the surrounding communities, and was a volunteer fireman for Fairmount. In 1962 the family moved to Bermuda where John was the supervisor of the Allied Trades Department on Kindley Airforce Base. When the family returned to Fairmount, John worked as the manager of the Body Shop at Saxon Oldsmobile in Anderson, and Hawkins Ford in Marion. In 1973 he opened John Nave Body Shop and served the community for 22 years.

When John was 14 years old, he learned to ride motorcycles. Throughout his life, he loved every ride he could take on his Harley, with his bride sitting behind him. John built several racecars, and won many races at Sun Valley, Muncie, Winchester, and Mount Lawn Speedways, while a part of the ASA (American Speed Association). In 1971, John Nave Racing won the ASA Point Standings. His car, #43, was numbered after the M43 Howitzer, his military gun in the Army. John loved to play guitar; after he retired and John Nave Body Shop closed down, the shop became the place to be in Fairmount on Saturday night. For many years the old shop was filled with music and wonderful friends, calling themselves the Garage Pickers.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Joann; son, David Nave; daughters, Joyce McCabe and Sharon (George) Witthun. Many grandchildren, John Dean (Ruth), Kristie (Branden), Steven, Terra (Mark), Ted, Kenneth (Lisa), Marilyn; 13 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and good friend of many years, Jim Moore.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Joan Kane; brother, Robert Wayne Nave; daughter-in-law, Connie Nave; and sister-in-law, Trudy Nave.

The family wants to thank John's team from Elara Caring for their outstanding care of him, during his last days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grant County Cancer Services, 305 S. Norton St., Marion, Indiana 46952.

Services for John are entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 South Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana 46928. Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Luedtke officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date at Marion National Cemetery.