Charles John Werking II

Charles “John” Werking II, 73, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. He was born on April 20, 1953. John had a personality all on his own. He was known for his sense of humor, the funny T-shirts he wore, and the jokes and pranks that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing. He was also the person you could count on when something needed to be fixed or someone needed a helping hand. John had a way of bringing his own unique humor and personality into everyday life, creating memories that his family and friends will carry with them for years to come.

John attended Ball State University, where he developed a passion for music, formed a band, and played drums. He was a talented drummer and dreamed of one day becoming a rock star. In his younger years, he also worked alongside his father at the family farm, Werking Farms Inc., Henry County, Indiana. Whether he was making music with friends or working alongside his father on the farm, John enjoyed staying busy, learning new things, and working with his hands. These early experiences reflected the hardworking and hands-on nature that would remain a part of him throughout his life.

John dedicated much of his working life to the aviation industry, working for ATA, AAR, Capital Cargo, Encompass Air, and National Airlines. His knowledge, skill, and dedication to aviation were highly respected by his colleagues. His coworkers nominated him for a Safety Excellence Award in recognition of his commitment to safety and his contributions to aviation. His colleagues also recognized that his hard work, leadership, and professionalism could make the difference between the success and failure of a flight. His dedication to doing his job well and looking out for the safety of others was an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.

When he wasn’t working on airplanes, John continued to put his mechanical skills and entrepreneurial spirit to work. He operated a small automobile business and also partnered with his brother, Thomas, working on Jet Skis. Whether he was working on an aircraft, an automobile, a Jet Ski, or helping someone repair something that was broken, John had a gift for figuring out how things worked and how to make them work again.

Outside of work, John enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved deep-sea fishing, metal detecting, cooking, gardening, and taking long walks with his wife. He took pride in caring for his garden and being the head chef of the household. John loved staying busy and working with his hands, but it was his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and the little things he did every day that made him the person his family and friends knew and loved.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis (Smith) Werking, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Fairchild.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ermelinda Egge; stepchildren Pilar Egge and RG Egge. He is also survived by his former wife Diane B Werking and their three children.

His daughter, JoEllen Werking-Weedman; her husband, Spencer Sadler; grandchildren, Emmaline Weedman, Clara Weedman, Audrey Weedman, and Margaret Weedman; and step-grandchildren, Jude Sadler and Era Sadler.

His daughter, Katie (Werking) Van Dyke; her husband, Shawn Van Dyke; grandchildren, Benjamine Van Dyke, Ethan Van Dyke, Luke Van Dyke, Oren Van Dyke, and Evelyn Van Dyke. His daughter, Kristen Werking; her husband, Tommy Holliday; and granddaughters, Riley Holliday and Ellen Holliday.

John is also survived by his brother, Thomas Werking, and his wife, Tammy Werking; his sister, Sandi (Werking) Abrams, and her husband, Mike Abrams; and his father, Charles “Bud” Werking.

A funeral service will be held at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, Indiana. The date and time will be announced at a later time, with services expected to take place in mid-to-late October.