John M. Sorrell

John M. Sorrell, 81, of Zionsville, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon.  He was born on August 26, 1941 to John Arthur and Florence (Einberger) Sorrell in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

John, more widely known as Papa John or PJ, lived a life of love, passion, and adventure. John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and wore his globe and anchor proudly. He enjoyed gems and precious metals and was a gemologist for many years before retiring. John had many passions that he pursued throughout his life such as ice hockey, hunting and fishing, ballroom dancing, traveling the world, studying foreign languages and cultures, painting, and achieved his black belt in karate. However, of his myriad passions in this world, nothing surpassed his love for and devotion to his family. He stood as a calm, steady rock for his entire family and all who had the good fortune of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary “Rosie” Sorrell; son, Sean (Tamara) Sorrell; daughter, Leslie Ramsey (Mario Doyon); grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Ramsey, Christian (Kate) Sorrell, Landon Sorrell, and Brock Frazer; great-grandchildren, Jack, Harrison, and Vivian Ramsey; sister, Sue (Tony) Smith; and brother, Don (Becky) Sorrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Sorrell, John Arthur Sorrell, Maxine “Mick” Sorrell; and sister, Mary Tarter.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road in Noblesville, IN. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to any of the following charities that support John’s passions in life: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, The Cooper Center, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA  22172-1776, (https://www.toysfortots.org); or The USA Hockey Foundation, Walter L. Bush, Jr. Center, 1775 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-4090 (https://www.usahockeyfoundation.com/donatenow); or Colon Cancer Foundation, ATTN: Honor/Memorial Gifts, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite M-06, Port Chester, New York, 10573 (https://coloncancerfoundation.org).

Condolences:  www.randallroberts.com