John Edgar Oliver was born in Harvey, Illinois on August 5, 1946, and passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his residence.
He was the only surviving child of the marriage of Elmer Oliver and Juanita Dabney.
He graduated from Thornton High School in southern Cook County, Illinois in 1966. He had many fond memories of growing up around Harvey, Illinois and of the time he spent in southern Illinois with his cousins.
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He married Beverly Older, his high school sweetheart on April 6, 1967. Upon leaving the Army, he moved to Shelbyville, Indiana in 1969 and eventually settled in Fairland, Indiana for many years.
John was an excellent provider and worked at Indiana Bell and AT&T until he retired. He had three children with Beverly; Teresa Oliver, Eric (Kathy) Oliver, and Laura (Ryan) Underwood. John and Beverly faced life’s ups and downs together until Beverly’s death in 2004.
The Lord provided a wonderful companion for John after her passing. He met Senda Forrest through a bereavement group they were attending. Their marriage on September 22, 2018 was a memory-making celebration. They settled in Shelbyville.
Through their marriage he earned two bonus children, Amy (Frank) Turner and Kim (Ryan) Gilles. He had ten grandchildren, Michael (Bella), Joseph, Charity (Preston), Jonathan, Hayala, Sara, Elizabeth, Bethany, Katya, and Lydia. He had three bonus grandchildren, Victoria (Alex), Katie, and Bobby. He also had two great grandchildren, Brayleigh and Aubriella. John and Senda were able to have several adventures, including going to Hawaii (her favorite) and Scotland. They enjoyed life together and supported each other through many difficult times with their faithful golden retriever, Jethro right by their side. Senda fulfilled her vows to John and was a loving caregiver for John until his death. John had a dear friend from his high school days, Mike (Cindy) Graf, who was a great friend and his family appreciated the love and compassion Mike and Cindy showed him over the last several years.
He was a member of New Life United Methodist Church, Fairland, Indiana until it closed.”
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Rev. Jolita Eberle and Pastor Bryan Trotter officiating. Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery with graveside military rites observed. Family will receive friends on Tuesday , June 30, 2026, at the funeral home from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
