John Andrew Fugate, 72 of Peru passed to a better place during the run up to the 100th Indy 500 on May 29, 2016. John was born in Vigo County, IN on January 18, 1944 the son of John A. and Julia Monce Fugate. He was raised in Brazil, IN by his grandparents Clearance and Frances Monce where he had a varied early life in Equestrian pursuits and ¼ midget racing. He was a graduate of Indiana University where he was a member of the Marching 100, and received his Masters Degree in Education at Indiana State University. His early history was a teacher and a football coach at Clinton High School before joining the staff of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he worked with Tony Hulman and alongside Karl Kaiser in the building and execution of the exhibits in the Hall of Fame Museum there. John came to Peru in 1980 as the Executive Director of the Peru Miami County Chamber of Commerce where he used his ties to auto racing by bringing Indy drivers and cars to various fund raisers for the Chamber. During his time with the Chamber he became one of the Ring Masters of the Peru Youth Circus. On leaving the Chamber John went on the road as a professional ring master with several traveling Circuses until his retirement two years ago. John was one of the founding group that purchased and brought the Circus Hall of Fame to Peru and he also served as vice president and board member for over 30 years. Surviving is his sister Frances Ann Osburn and her husband Michael (Joe) of Martinsville, IN a nephew Michael Carney of Plainfield, IN, a cousin Leslie Mongell and his wife Marsha of Brownsburg, IN and friends Mike Schaub and Jack Rhinaman of Peru. A memorial service celebrating the life of John A. Fugate will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 3, 2016 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main Street, Peru, IN with Rev. Adam Mauman officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made through the funeral home to the USAC Benevolent fund, the Circus Hall of Fame or The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Foundation.