John Fruit

May 15, 2021

John Fruit, age 81, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2021, surrounded by his family. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Carol Morris Fruit: his sons, Jeffrey (Kristin) and Stephen (Lee); three grandchildren, John, Ben and Megan; his sister, Susan and sister-in-law, Sharon. He was preceded by his parents, Roy (Spin) and Marie Fruit and his brother, Charles “Chuck” Fruit. Born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois, John attended Edwardsville High School, the University of Colorado and graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He soon began his lifelong career in banking, first in California and then as President and CEO of Edwardsville National Bank in Illinois. Upon retirement, John and Carol moved to Bluffton, SC. Always a “people person” he was involved in many community organizations throughout his career including the EGHM Foundation, SIUE Foundation, Edwardsville Arts Center, Boy Scouts of America – Trails West Council, Madison-Bond Counties Workforce Investment Board, SWIDA and Leadership Council of Southern Illinois and a long-time member of the Edwardsville Rotary Club. He was cremated according to his wishes and a memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the EGHM Foundation, c/o Edwardsville CUSD7, 708 St Louis Street, or the Edwardsville, IL YMCA.