John Royal Setser

July 21, 1936 — July 16, 2025

Franklin

Mr. John Setser, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away July 16th, 2025. He was born July 21st, 1936, in Clay County, Kentucky to parents Henry and Surilda (Minton) Setser.

John grew up in Kentucky and moved to Indianapolis as a young man.

In 1955, John married the love of his life, Ida “Mae”. They shared 67 wonderful years together. Mae passed away on April 11th, 2022.

John was a hard worker since he was a young boy. For 22 years, he worked as a drywall hanger for McDaniel & Parker Drywall. Then, John founded his own company John R. Setser Appliance Sales & Service, which he ran for 20 years.

John was a strong, loving family man. He enjoyed being outside, and in his younger years, liked to hunt. He took great pride in his gardens and flower beds. John always stayed busy and inspired those around him to work hard and stay busy too. John and his wife loved music, especially Bluegrass, and attended many concerts and festivals.

He was a devoted husband, “Girl Dad”, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by children Shirley (Gary) Howard, Sherry (Roger) Rhorer, and Surilda Lynn (Kevin) Osburn; grandchildren John Rhorer, and Daniel Howard, and Jennifer Zentz; great-grandchildren Savannah, Camden, Silas, Blake, and George; and brother Earl Setser.

John is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mae; and his brothers Leonard Setser and Willard Fisher.

John’s visitation will be Thursday July 24, from 10-12pm at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East. His funeral will begin at 12pm. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Mae at Washington Park east Cemetery.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Royal Setser, please visit our flower store.

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