John P. Fishel, 71, of 713 S. Bluff St., Monticello, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1998 at 8:10 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Lafayette.

He was born at Bedford on Sept. 24, 1927, to Arnold Mitchell and Craigie Thelma Kern Fishel. He married Juanita M. Bice on August 12, 1950 at Chalmers. She survives.

He lived in Monticello for 61 years.

He was a 1945 graduate of Monticello High School.

He served in the U.S.Navy during World War II.

He was employed with NIPSCO for 37 years. retiring as an Area Construction Supervisor in 1987.

He was a member of the Monticello United Methodist Church.

He was a 50-year member and past commander of the American Legion Post 81. He managed the American Legion baseball team for 10 years. He was a Cub Scout-Boy Scout leader for 10 years and also served for a time as Scoutmaster. He was a member of the Twin Lakes Booster Club.

He was a member of the Monticello Kiwanis Club, serving as chairman of the Young Children Priority One committee. He received special recognition on a local and state level from the Kiwanis for this program and served as Kiwanis Arrowhead Division chairman on the same committee.

Along with his wife, he is survived by three sons, Steve of Monticello, Jeff of Kent, Wash., and Doug of Lafayette; daughters, Mrs. Eric (Debra K.) Clawson of Chalmers and Raymond (Diana) Fishel-Hall of Bloomington; a brother, Walter of Bedford; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday at Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home with the Rev. James Copeland officiating.

Burial, with military graveside rites, was at the Riverview IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Monticello Kiwanis Foundation.