Attica - John Dale "J.D." Cantwell, 75, formerly of West Lebanon and most recently of Attica, passed away at Clinton House Health & Rehabilitation Center in Frankfort on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:55 p.m., following a lengthy battle with dementia. J.D. was also a pancreatic cancer survivor, having overcome the disease prior to developing dementia.
J.D., as he was known to family and friends, was born in Danville, Illinois, on October 28, 1950. He was the son of the late Charles "Charlie" Vernon Cantwell and Janet Eileen (Worley) Cantwell. J.D. was raised in rural West Lebanon and graduated from Seeger Memorial High School in 1969. He later attended Vincennes University and graduated from Indiana State University in 1973 with a degree in Business.Following graduation, J.D. joined his father, Charlie, and his brother, Lyle, hauling grain in the family business, C.V. Cantwell Trucking. That experience led to J.D.'s long career as a professional truck driver. Over the years, he also drove for Ryder Logistics and Tri-Union Express before joining PGT Trucking, where he spent the final 16 years of his career hauling steel. During his time with PGT, J.D. became a proud member of the "Million Mile Club," a testament to the many miles he traveled throughout his career. He retired from trucking in 2016. J.D. had a lifelong love of trucks and enjoyed working with his hands. In his spare time, he restored a 1961 Diamond T truck and later a 1967 Kenworth semi. His family brought him great joy, especially the time he spent with his grandchildren. He also had a longtime interest in finance and investing and enjoyed following the markets and managing his investments. J.D. and Nancy met while attending Indiana State University after being set up on a blind date. On December 30, 1972, J.D. married Nancy J. Wimmer in Greentown, Indiana. Together they shared 53 years of marriage. Nancy survives, along with their two daughters, Vanessa (Ian) Hancock, Westfield, IN, and Amanda (Jacob) Hanthorne, Williamsport, IN; six grandchildren, Audrey Hancock, Olivia (Isaac) Temores, Maya Hanthorne, Hazel Hanthorne, Lauren Hancock and Alex Hancock; a brother, Lyle (Wanda) Cantwell, West Lebanon; and two sisters, Amy (John) Kesler, Indianapolis, and Debi (Clay) Molstad, Pensacola, Florida. Friends may gather at Maus Funeral Home in Attica on Thursday, August 27, from 5:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Thom Daubenspeck officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Attica. Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County Community Foundation.