Jefferson Charles Dunwoody, age 56, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away March 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born November 29, 1965 in Los Angeles, California to Tom and Mary Kay (Manrose) Dunwoody. His father preceded him in death.

Surviving are siblings: Joslyn (Mike Littrell) Kuykendall, Tim (Lorri), and Charles (Kara); and his nieces and nephews JT, Jenna, Reuben, Aaron, Nathan, Jacob, and Kaylee.

Jeff or JD married his soul mate and devoted wife, Jana Mae (Reff) Dunwoody on January 23, 1988. She preceded him in death on July 5, 2021. Knowing now that the two are together can only make one smile through the tears.

Jeff and Jana are survived by four children; Anastasia (Stacie) Fields (38) married to Daniel Fields, Brandy Harris (37) married to Caesar Harris, Denise Kline (36), Thomas Dunwoody (31) engaged to Megan Eggert.

Jeff especially loved his role as Papaw to his surviving grandchildren: Trenton (24), Daniel (20), Larissa (20), Keira (15), Gavin (14), Olivia (10), Jaiden (10), Elliot (10), Kennrich (8), Emma (6), Braelen (5), and great grandchildren Myles (9 mo.) and Ilyana (2 mo.) They all admit that he gave the best hugs!

JD spent his childhood enjoying the outdoors while involved in the Boy Scouts, where he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Celina Senior High School in 1984.

Jefferson enlisted into the Navy in 1989 where he rose to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.

After completing his term in the military, Jeff worked in and managed a variety of food establishments. He was a member of the Lebanon Christian Church and helped run the soundboard for the worship team. JD loved "Glamping" to Holiday World, swimming in the pool, cheering on the Chicago Bears, and riding first seat on any roller coaster.

Over the last ten years, JD spent his life as a caregiver to Jana. He spent endless hours in hospital waiting rooms, emergency rooms, and doctor offices. Jeff's love and dedication to his wife was that of fairy tales, and his children admire the strength and patience he had. "She was who I woke up for." JD told his children in the months following Jana's passing. Bear, the couples' dog, and pride and joy, lives on but will join them in his time.

Family and friends will be gathering at a later date in the summer of 2022 for his celebration of life just as JD had instructed. You may follow his children on Facebook to keep updated.

Final care of JD was entrusted to the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.