It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Gene Corrona, who left us peacefully on Feb. 11, 2025, at the age of 78. John was born on June 21, 1946, in Red Bud, Illinois, the son of Phillip John and Irma Louise (Bendel) Corrona. He married Pam (Stover) Kimmel on Sept. 6, 1986.

John was a steadfast figure in the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps having received the Bronze Star with Combat V, Purple Heart and other honors completing over 480 combat missions in Vietnam. This experience shaped his character and instilled a deep sense of duty and honor that he carried with him throughout his life. After his military service, he transitioned to a 20 year decorated career with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, including a 13 year stint as an undercover narcotics detective sergeant where his resourcefulness and tenacity shone brightly. Following retirement, John began a second career as a private investigator, opening his own firm, Covert Inquiries Investigations.

An adventurous soul at heart, John loved hitting the open road in his Corvette, exploring different states and making memories with friends and family. He was a proud member of the St. Louis Corvette Club, the VFW, and the 40 et 8 Club, cherishing the camaraderie and shared passions within these communities. Although John was most known for entertaining friends and family with his unique story telling ability, John will be most remembered by his love for his grandchildren and how very proud he was of his family.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Corrona of Vincennes; son, Phillip Corrona and his wife, Suzanne, of Vincennes; grandchildren, Savannah Geller and her husband, Mitchell, Samuel Corrona, Spencer Corrona and his fiancee, Macy, and Simon Corrona; his twin brother, James Corrona of Vincennes; daughter-in-law, Toni Kimmel of Vincennes; and his nieces and nephews, Andrea, Nathan, Von, Gretchen, Jeff and Peggy.

John is preceded in death by his parents, and his bonus children, Gregory and Christopher Kimmel.

Friends may visit with John's family from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway St., and from 10 a.m. until the hour of service time of 11 a.m. on Monday at Goodwin-Sievers. Rusty Thorne will officiate and John will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org in John’s memory. He would have appreciated the thoughtfulness and generosity of anyone wishing to honor his legacy.

Vincennes Sun-Commercial, Vincennes, IN