John Blome (71) of Vincennes, Indiana passed away Thursday, September 1, 2022 after a brief illness surrounded by family and friends at Good Samaritan Hospital. Born January 14, 1951 to Joseph and Louise (Dowden) Blome, John was one of five siblings born and raised in Vincennes. He became a member of Old Cathedral Church where he served as an alter boy all the way through his attendance at Central Catholic High School.
John married Mary (Kathy) Humphreys on December 31, 1972 and they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this December. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1969 and later from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Teacher Education. He taught 6th grade for 15 years at Riley Elementary School, and 21 years as a 6th grade language arts teacher at Clark Middle School. Throughout his teaching career he coached hundreds of student athletes in Basketball, Track and Field, Golf, and Baseball. Coach Blome was especially known for his approach to basketball keeping a roster of 20 athletes each year and giving them all equal playing time in groups of five. His philosophy was named by one of his opponents as the “Green Wave,” which stuck as a team motto until his retirement.
His many professional accomplishments include being listed in the Journal of “Who’s Who Among American Educators,” “Finalist for the WTWO Golden Apple Award,” “Elks Teach of the Year,” and the “VFW Teacher of the Year.” His athletic teams won countless tournaments and earned him recognition as one of the most competitive and successful middle school basketball programs in the region. In addition, John served as past President and then as a mediator for the Vincennes Community Schools Teachers Association, and as a Board Member for the Bicknell Country Club. With all of these accomplishments, his favorite recognition was the feedback his former athletes and students gave him. A truly sentimental person, John saved every card, handwritten note, and word of encouragement he received. He was passionate about celebrating the positive experiences in life and bringing out the best in others.
John loved collecting and wearing bucket hats, washing and waxing his car, golfing, traveling, watching sports (IU, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Bears, and ESPN), reading Louis Lamour books (and more), bird watching, and spending time with his family. He was a modern philosopher—writing down quotes from others, anecdotes, and sayings that he felt held the keys to life. He believed everything happens for a reason, that everyone has potential and good within them, and that life was about the journey and not the destination.
The joy of his life was spending his days with his beautiful Bride, Kathy. They have two children, Andy (Carri) of Evansville, IN and Christian (Emily) of Jasper, IN. John is survived by his wife Kathy, sister Joan (Kenny) Frey of Vincennes, brother-in-law Michael Humphreys of Lakeland, FL, sister-in-law Becky Turpin of Vincennes, sister-in-law Joyce Blome of Casey, IL, sister-in-law Joan Blome of Evansville, five grandchildren Madelyn, Luke, and Anna of Evansville, Carter and Lainee of Jasper, and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Louise, and by three of his siblings: Paul, Jim, and Bob.
Visitation will be held at Fredrick & Son McClure Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2022 and on Tuesday, September 6,2022 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Cathedral Catholic Church. Those attending the visitation are encouraged to dress casually in bright colors and wear a favorite hat. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Vincennes Education Foundation (VEF) John Blome fund to support athletic programs at Clark Middle School. The family welcomes online condolences to be left at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel staff is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.
