NORTH WEBSTER – John Robert Alley, 66, of North Webster, and formerly of Elkhart, died at 1:28 p.m. Jan. 26, 2013, in his residence, after an extended illness. He was born March 21, 1946, in Anderson, to John C. and Elsie Harrell Alley. On June 29, 1968, in Pendleton, he married Rita Kay James, who survives. He graduated from Pendleton High School in 1964. In 1968 he received a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and physical education from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, and earned a master’s degree in education from Ball State University, Muncie, in 1970. He visited the Tippecanoe Lake and the North Webster area since he was 7 years old. He began his teaching career in 1969 with Elkhart Community Schools, retiring in 2009 after 40 years of service. His fondest memories in life was being the head wrestling coach for 25 years, coaching at Brookfield Junior High School from 1970 until its closing in 1984 and at Elkhart Central High School from 1984-95. At that time he decided to move on and enjoy his lake home more. In 1994 he was one of the co-founders for setting up the Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education program for Elkhart Community Schools. He was a member of the ISWA, AAU Freestyle Wrestling, Elkhart Rotary, and received the Key to the City from Elkhart Community Schools. He was named the 1994 State Association Co-op Coordinator of the year and served as president in 1995. Also surviving are a daughter, Amy Kay (and spouse Jon) Steiner, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.; a son, Robert John “Bob” (and spouse Jamie) Alley, Elkhart; six grandchildren; four sisters: Julane (and spouse Vic) Shepard, Judy Alley and Jane (and spouse Benny) Sabie, all of Pendleton, and Sue (and spouse Jim) Kendall, Winter Haven, Fla.; and a brother, Tom Alley, Pendleton. He was preceded in death by a sister. Services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Owen Family Funeral Home, North Webster, with the Rev. Claude Creel officiating. A private burial will be at a later date. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
