Former Distinguished Alumnus and longtime administrator John Beacon passes away at 81

Indiana State University is mourning the death of John Beacon, a former senior vice president and Distinguished Alumnus. Beacon passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14. He was 81.

Beacon retired from Indiana State in 2016 after serving as senior vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications. The university named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 2017.

Born and raised in Elgin, Ill., Beacon grew up in a loving home with his parents and sister. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., and a master’s degree from Indiana State.

Beacon is survived by his wife of 27 years, Jean Ann Beacon; sons Michael (Dawn) Beacon of Colorado and Derek (Allison) Beacon of Nebraska; stepdaughter Chelsea (Morrow) White of Texas; and grandsons Anthony Beacon and Alexander Beacon.

At the family’s request, no services are planned. 

In Beacon’s memory, donations may be made to the Indiana State University Foundation, 200 N. Seventh St., Terre Haute, IN 47809.