John Melvin Cardwell

John Melvin Cardwell, age 89, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Elmer and Lily Mae (Pierce) Cardwell in Kokomo, on September 3, 1933. John married Janet (Beals) Cardwell on February 14, 1953 in Kokomo and she survives.

John graduated from Western High School in 1951. After John and Janet got married and started their family, his main priority was providing and supporting his family. He served the community of Kokomo as a police officer, working alongside his best friend KFD Jimmy Doak, and was the Detective Sergeant for 30 years as well as served as a Howard County Deputy Coroner. John was so dedicated to his career that he did not have set working hours, he stayed until the job was done. John's daughter, Joan, followed in his footsteps and he proudly presented her with her badge as they became the first "Father/Daughter" on the police department. He received "Policeman of the Year" in 1979. He was awarded many accommodations from the FBI, ATF, the governor, and several mayors. John also served as President of the International Association of Auto Theft where he taught several seminars, one being how Chop Shops can disassemble a car in 13 minutes. John was a businessman and entrepreneur owning multiple businesses such as the Union Hotel, a laundromat, four different car lots (one being the land that the Kokomo Fire Department is on), Standard Grocery, Indian Trails Campground, and ventured in real estate. John also worked for Ellers Mortuary for over 20 years. He was known for his work ethic and passed those values down to his family.

Later in life after retirement, he purchased a horse farm in Ocala, Florida and enjoyed spending time there in the winter. John enjoyed spending time with his family, enjoying his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His catchphrases were, "No need to hurry off" and "Call me when you get home".

Surviving is his loving wife of 70 years, Janet; daughter, Joan Dumoulin; three sons, Johnny Melvin Cardwell Jr., Jay Cardwell, and Jeff (Deb) Cardwell; grandchildren, Johnny III (Laura), Daniel "Danny", Kasey (Kenny), Kiley (Nate), Heather (Jake), Courtney, Noah, Jacob, Joshua (Kasey), Jaymes (Lindsay); great grandchildren, Cooper, Lincoln, Kirstie, Karlie, Mckenzie, Summerlynn, Michael, London, Dylan, Brinley, Deacon, Harlynn, Kensington, Kendalyn, Kennedy, Bryella, Brandelle, Vivienne, Kaya, Kendall, Scarlett, Toria, Allisabeth, Bella, Kierstynn, Kaden, Stryder, Ender, Layla; great great grandchildren, Gianna, Riley, Finley, Jaxon, Madalynn, Lilly, Thea, Dean, Raelyn, and Israel; brother, Don (Sue) Cardwell; and sister, Freida Antrim; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death is sister, Phyllis Dausch; brother, Albert Cardwell; grandsons, Israel Cardwell and Adam Cardwell; and granddaughter, Wendy Mates.

There will be a time of visitation for John on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. The funeral service will be Saturday, August 26, at 11:00 A.M. also at the mortuary. Pastor Jeff Russell will be officiating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Cardwell family.