JON WARREN HANCHER
Jon Warren Hancher, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 10, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was surrounded by his loving family and wearing his IU hat.
Jon was born May 31, 1947, in Columbus, Indiana to Thomas (Jack) Hancher and Lela Mae (Taylor) Hancher. He grew up in Decatur County and graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1965. He furthered his education at Maryville College (TN), where he lettered in baseball and basketball, graduating in 1969. Upon graduation, he returned to Indiana and began his career as a lifelong educator as a teacher/principal in Shelby County. He completed a master’s degree in education from Indiana University, where he also met his future wife and developed a lifelong love of IU basketball.
Jon married Judith Ann Jacob on December 28, 1971. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in Gatlinburg, TN, where they honeymooned as newlyweds. The couple later moved to Franklin County, where Jon taught and coached women’s basketball for many years. He was a huge advocate for women’s high school sports, fighting hard for equity. He absolutely loved coaching the team. One of his fondest memories was the FCHS team that he coached to semi-state, losing to Cathedral in a close game.
Over the years, Jon was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and golfing. One of his favorite things was teaching his grandkids how to fish and he was known for his “Bapa tales” about his large catches. He was also a card shark, beating his family in euchre right up to the end. Jon was proud of his children and grandchildren, regularly bragging in jest that they got their smarts from him. He was a member of the Brookville United Methodist Church and the Brookville Redevelopment Commission, working diligently to help the town he loved.
Jon was survived by his wife of 50 years (Judith Ann Jacob Hancher), his children Heidi Hancher-Rauch of Westfield, (spouse Eric Rauch), Justin Hancher of St. Augustine, FL (spouse Meghan Kennedy Hancher), and Joshua Hancher of West Orange, NJ (spouse Jennifer Zabel Hancher). He leaves 10 loving grandchildren: Madysen, Rylan, Isabella, and Ainsleigh Rauch; Olivia, Evan, Aidan, and Owen Hancher; Emma and Erin Hancher. Jon’s sisters, Gretchen Bode and Jan (spouse Paul) Otte, along with several nieces and nephews survive as well. He was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Hancher.
He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will occur in Brookville, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Franklin County Community Foundation or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel, assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.
My deepest sympathy to Judy and the family. Jon was one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. Being on the faculty with him and with Judy was one of my best experiences. My heart aches for the family; I know they will miss Jon terribly.