John D. Alt

John Darrel Alt of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away March 16, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 83. He was born May 29, 1942, in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Ray and Virginia Jennings Alt. He lost his mother when he was a toddler and spent his early years with his grandparents on a farm in Medaryville, Indiana. Those were his fondest memories as a child. His grandmother said he was the “orneriest critter ever put on Earth”. If you knew John, you knew he never outgrew that reputation. His father remarried and he spent his school years back in Lafayette. He loved basketball and excelled on the courts at West Lafayette High School.

He met his beautiful wife Mary Catherine Wininger in the summer of 1962 and said he knew he would marry her as soon as he laid eyes on her. They married on December 29, 1962. He worked for Eli Lilly & Co. for 26 years. John lived in Mountain Home since moving from Lafayette, Indiana in 1998. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and being an ornery old grouch. He had a soft spot for his grandchildren and in his final days he reflected on what a great life he had. He was anxious to see his wife that he lost 5 years ago. The pearly gates opened their doors to a tough but sweet old soul.

John is survived by his children, Kim Alt of Mountain Home, AR, Rhonda (Stephen) Gifford of Harrison, AR, Karen (Matt) Pearson of Lafayette, IN, and Ron (Susan) Alt of Lafayette, IN; 9 grandchildren, Amber, Tabitha, Aja, Jonathan, Zach, Heather, Christopher, Molly and Payton; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; and parents.

Service will be private.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.