John Franklin Didat, Sr.

John Franklin Didat, Sr., 93, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025. John was life long member of St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church, attended elementary school at the church school alternating with Atkins Hill, a one room school closer to home. He was a 1950 graduate of New Albany High School and was employed at the Army Map Service in Louisville before enlisting in the Air Force in 1953. John earned the rank of Staff Sargent and after his discharge in 1957 he worked as a draftsman at Tube Turns before joining the Xerox Corp. as a Service Technician in 1961 and was there till retiring in 1994.

John loved the farm he was born and lived on till his death; he enjoyed raising a garden and taking care of his herd of cattle. He started with Herefords, then a Charlois and a couple Seminoles ending with his favorite red Limousine breed. He tended to his four legged "Girls" faithfully no matter the weather or any aches or pains until the herd was sold 2021 and he never stopped missing them. John loved to talk to people, especially about the good ole days with old family moonshine tales.

The real highlight of his life was his family, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. John was so proud of the four children he and Sharon raised and his six grandchildren were the "icing on the cake"!

John lived a long, happy life, he was a kind, considerate, cheerful man who always had a smile on his face.

He was born on November 8, 1932 in Floyds Knobs, Indiana to the late Joseph and Catherine (Schindler) Didat. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jo Didat Tucker; brother-in-law, Joe Tucker; and sister-in-law, Donna U. Reeder.

John is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sharon Underwood Didat; children, Julie Didat, John Didat, Jr., Laurie Didat, and Mark (Jennifer) Didat; grandchildren, Jackson, Daring, Zachary, Olivia, Simon and Spencer Didat; brothers-in-law, Bob Penick, Fred Reeder, and Hank Rains; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). Visitation will continue on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church (5719 St. Mary's Road, Floyds Knobs). His Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, at the church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local food bank, pantry or the charity of your choice.

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