John Clifford Pfender, 85, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at his home.
John was born in Evansville, Indiana on May 1, 1939 to the late Clifford Dotson and Frances Maxine (Hallam) Pfender. He was a 1956 graduate of Central High School where he ran track. After high school, John honorably served in the United States Navy on the USS Grenadier submarine. John retired from IBEW Local 16 as an electrician after over 40 years of service. He was a member of the Evansville Masonic Lodge #64 and The Scottish Rite. John had previously attended Heritage Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years and most recently was a faithful member of Living Word Christian Church. He was a talented leather craftsman, an animal lover and enjoyed traveling, especially to the Smokey Mountains with his family. John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Laura (Lipking) Pfender of Evansville, IN; daughters, Lori Cole (Charlie) of Evansville, IN and Julie Thomas (Steve) of Boonville, IN; son, John Pfender II (Carrie) of Washington, IN; grandchildren, Josh Pfender, James Pfender (Misti), Kyle Pfender (Caitlin), Kaden Pfender, Kory Pfender, Lauren Gourley (Broc), and Paige Thomas; great-grandchildren, Ezekiel Pfender, Magnolia Gourley, and K'lyn Mamat; and by his dear cousin, whom he considered his sister, Sharon Withrow.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of John's life will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Living Word Christian Church, 3888 IN-261, Newburgh, IN 47630 with Pastor Tommy Epperson officiating. A burial will be held at a later date at Locust Hill Cemetery where the Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military honors.
Friends may visit from 2:00 pm until service time on Thursday at Living Word Christian Church.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their care and compassion.
Memorial contributions may be made to Evansville Rescue Mission, 500 East Walnut Street | Evansville, IN 47713 or the Vanderburgh Humane Society, PO Box 6711, Evansville, IN 47719-6711.
Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.
John Clifford Pfender, 85, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at his home.
John was born in Evansville, Indiana on May 1, 1939 to the late Clifford Dotson and Frances Maxine (Hallam) Pfender. He was a 1956 graduate of Central High School where he ran track. After high school, John honorably served in