John Bainbridge, a longtime elected official from Speedway and stalwart member of the Marion County Republican Party, passed away on June 26th. John served on the City-County Council from 2000 to 2003 and prior to that on the Speedway Town Council. John was also the longtime principal at Speedway High School. Please continue to keep John's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 10th, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Speedway High School Auditorium, 5357 West 25th Street. A memorial service will be held afterwards at 7:00pm, also at the auditorium. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Speedway Dollars for Scholars program, Speedway Public Schools-Administrative Office, c/o J. Bainbridge Scholarship Fund, 2335 West 25th Street, Speedway, IN 46224.
Below is from the Indianapolis Star:
John Eldon Bainbridge 78, longtime Speedway, IN resident passed away on June 26, 2008 after a lengthy battle with cancer. John grew up in Columbia City, IN. He was a graduate of Ball State University where he majored in education and where he met his devoted wife of 53 years, Betty. Prior to beginning his distinguished, 41 year career in education, John served in two branches of the military- the U.S. Army and the Marine Reserves. John began teaching in the Muncie public school system in 1954. He moved into administration and became the Principal at Frank H. Wheeler Elementary School in 1956. He ultimately retired as Principal of Speedway High School in 1995. After retirement John had a second career in politics. He served on the Speedway Town Council for 4 years as well as the Indianapolis City County Council for 4 years. John had a strong sense of civic duty and was actively involved with the Speedway Lions Club, Indiana Swimming, Speedway Chamber of Commerce and Speedway Dollars for Scholars. He was also the recipient of the Sagamore Of The Wabash award. Most importantly he enjoyed being "Poppy" to his cherished grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Connie (Scott) Schreiber Harris; son Bradley (Anthony Burns) Bainbridge; grandsons William Riley Schreiber Harris and Jackson Bainbridge Harris; sister Janice Magnus of Cromwell, IN and several nieces and nephews. Because much of John's life work and passion revolved around providing a quality public education to the people of the Town of Speedway, the family requests supporting Speedway Dollars for Scholars in lieu of flowers. This program provides financial assistance to Speedway High School graduates to attain further education. Speedway Dollars For Scholars, Speedway Public Schools—Administrative Office, CO John Bainbridge Scholarship Fund, 5335 West 25th Street, Speedway, IN 46224. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a memorial service celebrating John's life to follow at 7 p.m., both at the Speedway High School Auditorium, use southwest entrance www.flannerbuchanan.com