Shirley, Indiana - John D. Harrington Sr., 77, of Shirley, Indiana, passed away April 20, 2026, at The Waters of Middletown, with family by his side.

He was born Jan. 9, 1949, in Monrovia, Indiana, to the late James R. and Dolores I. (Tewell) Harrington.

John attended Brooklyn, Pleasantville, and Freelandville schools and graduated from North Knox High School in Bicknell, Indiana, in 1967 where he lettered in football (center) and track (shot put). He was also in the Male Pep Club.

After completing his apprenticeship as a tool and die maker at Anderson Tool and Engineering and General Motors Guide Division, he continued to work as a tool and die maker for GM for 30 years, retiring in 1999.

He also worked as a bartender at the American Legion in Middletown and was part owner of Tri County Golf Club.

He was a member of the Middletown Masonic Lodge, where he celebrated his 50th anniversary in 2023 and he was also a member of Odd Fellows and a lifetime member of the Sons of the American Legion in Middletown.

He loved to play golf, cards and shake dice with his extended family and, in his younger years, he played in softball and bowling leagues. He collected coins and loved attending sporting events and birthday parties for his great-grandbabies, who were the lights of his life! He enjoyed his tenderloins and Taco Tuesdays at The Score Card Lounge in Middletown. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and participating in poker runs.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Lynn (Kyle) Haskell and John Harrington Jr. and their mother, Janice Bronnenberg; his grandchildren, Amanda (Michael) Davidson and Caleb and Brighton Harrington; his great-grandbabies, Alexander and Riley Davidson; his sister, Dolores Shelton; his brother, James (Nila) Harrington Jr.; several nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends!

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Wilson; brother-in-law, Dr. Philip Shelton; sister-in-law, Wanda Harrington; and his very special friend, Dixie Smith.

Services will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., with the service immediately following at 6 p.m.

Donations can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown.

You may express condolences or share a memory of John at www.ballardandsons.com.