John Joseph Cashen, Jr., 75, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by love, following an extended illness on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 2:45 p.m.

He was born on April 7, 1950, in Mishawaka to the late John Joseph and Esther Louise (Wallace) Cashen, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Aguilar.

Surviving John are his sons Nicholas (Jamie Lunger) Cashen of Elkhart, Jamie (Earlene) Cashen of Middlebury, and Adam (Kayla Brown) Cashen of Benton Harbor, MI; his sisters Lynn (Stephen) Chilcote and Patti (Bob) Clark, both of Elkhart; his beloved grandchildren Abigail Cashen and Aiden and Kaleb Pettie; and a large host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.

Though John spent many years working on the Indiana Toll Road as an equipment operator—a job that demanded grit, patience, and skill—his heart always belonged to the family farm on the north side of town. That stretch of land was his sanctuary and his teacher. From an early age, John learned that life's truest rewards come from hard work, consistency, and respect for the earth. He was most at home behind the wheel of a tractor, with the scent of freshly turned soil in the air and the hum of the day's labor unfolding around him.

Farming wasn't just what John did—it was who he was. He had a deep connection to the rhythms of the seasons and a quiet pride in watching his crops grow under his care. He understood that farming was more than planting and harvesting—it was about nurturing, about patience, and about faith in what tomorrow would bring. The lessons he learned on that land carried into every corner of his life, shaping him into a man of integrity, humility, and good humor.

John had a wonderful, easygoing personality and a sharp sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest of days. He looked forward each week to his Thursday morning ritual—breakfast with his "gang" of friends, a lively bunch that included characters like Marvin Gross, Ray Begley, Bud Bowers and Bruce McCoy. Those mornings were filled with laughter, storytelling, and the kind of good-natured teasing that only true friends can share.

When he wasn't tending to the farm or swapping stories over breakfast, John could be found watching his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish, or whichever NFL team happened to be on a winning streak that season. He had a soft spot for animals, particularly the odd-looking or "unusual" ones, and his family often joked that the stranger the pet, the more he loved it. John also had a knack for finding his way to the local casinos, where he enjoyed testing his luck—and, more often than not, coming home with a story about his latest big win.

John lived a full and genuine life—one built on hard work, humor, and an unwavering love for his family, his friends, and the simple beauty of the land. He was a man who valued honesty, loyalty, and laughter, and those who were blessed to know him will remember the twinkle in his eye, the warmth of his smile, and the steadiness of his spirit.

Currently, John's family is hosting a celebration of his life at the Elkhart Moose Lodge #599, 1500 County Road 6, Elkhart, on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1 - 3 pm. In accordance with his wishes, Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.

Those wishing to honor John's memory are encouraged to take a quiet walk outdoors, enjoy the sunrise over a field, share a laugh with good friends, or lend a hand to someone in need—simple acts that reflect the goodness and generosity that defined his life.