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John Patrick McKenna

January 6, 1971 ~ August 3, 2025

Born in: Indianapolis, Indiana
Resided in: Indianapolis, Indiana

John Patrick McKenna, a beloved father, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, with his loving family by his side. Born on January 6, 1971, in the same city that he called home throughout his life, John was a proud reflection of his Irish heritage and instilled a sense of pride in his roots in everything he did.

Throughout his career, John dedicated himself to being a self-employed plumber, a vocation that not only sustained him but also gave him immense satisfaction. He relished the opportunity to serve his community.

John’s greatest joy came from spending precious moments with his children and grandchildren. He was devoted to nurturing their dreams, instilling wisdom, and creating lasting memories through playful outings and heartfelt conversations. Playing softball with his children was one of his cherished pastimes, filled with laughter and love, which left an indelible mark on their lives. His grandchildren, Emerson, Waylon, and Ansley, along with the little boy on the way, knew him as a source of warmth and encouragement—a grandfather whose spirit would forever echo in their hearts.

He is survived by his beloved children: Hannah  Clark (Chase), Saturn (aka Macey) McKenna, Abbigail  McKenna (Reece), and Morgan Henry. John’s support and guidance will forever resonate in their journeys ahead. He is also survived by his devoted siblings: Carrie Wagoner, Debra McKenna, Susan McKenna, and Michael McKenna Jr., and significant other Gretchen Armstong, each of whom will treasure the memories they shared with him.

John’s parents, Michael F. and Carolyn D. Pierle McKenna, and his brothers Dwayne Sowers and Daniel McKenna, preceded him in death, but their legacy lives on through John and the family he cultivated.

In celebration of John’s life, a visitation will be held on August 10, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Name Catholic Church, 89 N. 17th Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107, on August 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM, allowing family and friends to gather and honor the life of a remarkable man who touched so many hearts. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

John Patrick McKenna leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to family legacy that will endure in the stories shared and the values he imparted. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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  1. We have always shared a special closeness. I will miss him dearly. My love and prayers to John and his family.
    See you on the other side, Love, Aunt Susie

  2. A great guy who will be never be forgotten. Sending my love to the McKenna family,and friends RIP Johnny.

  3. My wife, Aimee, and I are honored to have known John as next door neighbor and very dear friend. He was a wonderful surrogate grandpa to our daughter, Joyce, whom he absolutely adored. We all miss you dearly already, John. God bless you and forever keep you, man.

  4. John and I were married for 7 years and had two children. Even after our divorce we remained good friends, in fact, I’d call him one of my best friends. He called me from the hospital when he heard my Mom had passed away to check on me daily until he took a turn for the worse. I’m going to miss his support. He has been there for me when my husband passed away doing whatever he could to help. Love ya, John I miss you so much already.


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