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John “Bert” Settle

October 27, 1955 - May 23, 2021

John “Bert” Settle John “Bert” Settle
  • VISITATION
    June 12, 2021 | 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
  • Middletown Christian Church
    500 North Watterson Trail
    Louisville, KY 40243
    middletownchristian.org
  • Funeral
  • June 12, 2021 | 10:30 A.M.
  • Middletown Christian Church
    500 North Watterson Trail
    Louisville, KY 40243
  • Burial Location
    Private

John Bertram Settle, aged 65, passed away peacefully with family by his side Sunday, May 23, 2021.  Deeply loved by family and friends as well as anyone he met; Bert never met a stranger.  He wore many hats but will be best remembered as a caring son and brother, a loving uncle, and a loyal, humorous friend.

The first child of Virginia Bertram Settle and the late John Wooten Settle, Jr., Bert was born October 27th, 1955 in Glasgow, Kentucky.  He attended grade school in Lawton, Oklahoma before the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 1965.

Bert was a 1974 graduate of Westport High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Louisville.  He began a life-long career in 1983 with the Burroughs Wellcome Pharmaceutical Company, working his way up through the sales department and into management.  He progressed through several mergers with various titles before officially retiring from GlaxoSmithKline in 2017.  During his 34-year career, he lived in Cape Girardeu, Missouri, Louisville, Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh and Chicago.

Even in retirement, Bert maintained an active lifestyle focused on self-improvement. He was an avid birdwatcher and lover of nature and was working toward becoming a Kane County Certified Naturalist at the time of his passing. He also volunteered at the Art Institute of Chicago, hoping to advance to the position of docent.  Most recently, and perhaps what made him most proud, was his recent hire as a Guest Ambassador for his beloved Chicago Cubs.

He was preceded in death by his father John Wooten Settle, Jr., in 2001.  He is survived by his mother, Virginia Bertram Settle, his sister, Susan Settle Lewis, his brother, LTC. Donald Blake Settle, niece, Clara Nell Lewis, his nephews, Andrew Harrison Lewis, Peter Campbell Lewis, Nathaniel Rush Settle, John Silas Settle, Quinten Lee Settle and his beloved cat, Abigail.

Visitation will be June 12, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with a memorial service to follow at Middletown Christian Church, 500 North Watterson Trail, Louisville, Ky 40243.  Dr. James C. Baughman will officiate.  Reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bert’s name to Special Olympics International, https://www.specialolympics.org

Condolences


Kelly Dockter Dean from Louisville, KY

"Hard to believe that Bert has just earned his "angel wings", but it's good to have some influence that I might need in the future...sending thoughts and prayers to Bert's loved ones on the unexpected and sudden loss."


John and Mary Caldwell from Cape Girardeau, MO

"Our prayers for God's peace and comfort are with Bert's family as you mourn the loss. We have fond and wonderful memories of our friend from his time in Cape. He was the life of the party (especially on Derby Day) and a great host on our trip to visit him in Louisville. He left us far too soon and will be missed."


Dana Johnson from Louisville, KY

"I am still in shock over Bert's passing. He was a dear friend and I have many fond memories of him that I will hold in my heart. He was such a good and caring person, and you could talk about anything with him. Bert will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."


Bob and Teresa Kelley from Pinehurst, NC

"Bert was one of the kindest individuals you could ever meet. We have great memories of Bert as he began his sales career with BW Co oh so many years ago. He will be missed"


Betty Rauscher from Mentor, OH

"It was with great sadness that I learned of Bert's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and I hope that in a small way they help through these trying times. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend in PA and will be greatly missed."


Barbara Eilert from Louisville, KY

"Bert will be missed. Such a kind and thoughtful person, with a heart for others."


Karen Colvin Wilhelm from Prospect, KY

"I always felt happy after talking to or spending time with Bert. He had a very strong and loveable personality. I will miss him very, very much."


R S Shifley from Fort Wayne, IN

"How can I say anything about Bert Settle. I hoped I would die before him, as is said for all the dead we are honoring so dutifully. Bert’s passing made a great difference in my life, and truly a wound in my heart, as I will feel this for the rest of my life."


Barbara & Bruce Hauter from Naperville , IL

"Such great sadness to learn that Bert had passed. As a colleague @ GSK for a number of years & as a work partner here in IL - no one had a better grasp of facts or more diverse interests than Bert. An inquisitive personality that never stopped learning or connecting with others. A life well lived but decidedly too short.Our hearts and thoughts are with the Settle family during this difficult time."


Mark and Linda Fisher from Chichester , NH

"I knew Bert from the start of my career, but did not become his friend until I got my first DM job in Pittsburgh. Such an unbelievable mentor and friend both during our time working together and well beyond. Linda and I so enjoyed the times we spent together and are just stunned that the world no longer has your spirit in it. Twin Anchors will never quite be the same. Bert was always there to listen and provide insight from one of the most adventuresome lives I have ever seen. Miss you so much."


Steve Metzger from Louisville, KY

"Bert was a kind heart that I will always miss. So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family. We knew each other as friends in high school and then as friends later in life. He passed much to young but as they say, "Only the good die young". Bert was definitely one of the good people on this planet..."


Nancy Gallagher from Lake Zurich, IL

"I only met Bert at the end of my career with GSK, and it is with great sadness to learn about his passing. I enjoyed getting to know Bert through common experiences. He was a kind, caring person, with a love of learning and nature. He will be missed. My condolences to the Settle family."


Jim & Sue Lawrence from Muskegon , MI

"We are shocked and saddened to hear of Bert’s passing. Bert and I were both hired by the Burroughs Wellcome Co. in 1983 and our careers paralleled each other. I recall a humorous story of Bert when we were DSM’s working for Lou Oswald in the early 90s. During a managers meeting each manager presented a sales rep performance case study. Bert started talking about a sales rep with a dog named Buck. He went into great detail about the dog and this cracked all of us up and we couldn’t stop laughing. When Bert tried to get us back on track in his gentle way he kept cracking up because he really wanted to tell us about Buck. Finally, after several attempts to get the room back Lou Oswald said “Bert, just sit down”. We toasted his presentation over dinner that evening. We miss you dear friend…you left us far too early!"


Phil Yanulites from Front Royal, VA

"RIP Bert. Our condolences to your family. My life and career were enriched by having the opportunity to work with you. Your kindness & sense of humor brightened everyone's life you touched. You are gone too soon, but you have left behind a positive legacy. You will be missed."


Gerry Miller from Gibsonia, PA

"I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Bert’s passing. He was my manager at GSK when he lived in Pittsburgh. I will never forget his stories about Louisville, Cape Girardeau, and so many other things we talked about when we worked together. Bert could always make me laugh. I will remember him most for his kindness, big heart, and love for life and life experiences. He was one of a kind and he will truly be missed. Most recently, we kept in touch through Facebook, and I will never forget the last time we spoke on the phone. I’m sending my sincere condolences to his family for your loss. May God give you strength during this difficult time. He was taken from us too soon but will never be forgotten."


Betsy Johnston from Murrysville, PA

"My deep condolences to Bert's family over his passing. Very sad news that is still a shock. He was a true Southern gentleman and good friend to all. I have fond memories of Bert while we were neighbors in Murrysville, especially his love of a good cigar and steak. Rest in peace Bert, you were one of a kind, and left this Earth too soon."


Barb Matens from St. Charles, IL

"You have been a great friend & a wonderful neighbor. I will always think of you when I look at your house. RIP my dear friend & you will be truly missed."


Amy MacDonald Miller from Wesley Chapel , FL

"I am saddened to hear this shocking news. My heart goes out to the Settle family at this time of grief. Bert, you will be missed."


Michael Fothergill from Louisville, KY

"You will be missed more than you know. You have left a everlasting memory on us all that knew you and loved so. May God rest your soul, amen. p.s., say hi to my Dad, he would love to talk the old Kroger days with you. Until we meet again my friend in heaven"


Carmela Wills from Louisville, KY

"Sending condolences to the Settle/Lewis family from your Soft Surroundings family, we pray that you will find strength during this time of sorrow."


Rick Smith from St Charles, IL

"To my good friend we called the seamstress. He got this nickname on the golf course for threading the needle through difficult situations. You’ll be missed bud."


Nick Sremanak from Duncansville, PA

"I was saddened to hear of Bert's passing. I met Bert in 1998 as I joined GSK, as he was my first manager. He was truly the reason I joined GSK after my first interview with him. I came to GSK after 20 years with another company and Bert and I developed a great working relationship. We had many great conversations over the years and spoke to him after I retired in 2015. My thoughts and prayers to the Settle family and know that he made impact on many people. May his memory be eternal."


RETA Stivers from Ft Myers, FL

"Wish I could be there to give hugs to all of Bert’s family but I am just too far away! Will be thinking about all of you. Love to all! 💕"


Willie Bolick from Raleigh, NC

"I met Bert at Burroughs Wellcome in ‘80s. He was in from the field for training, and I was picked to walk him through the development and production of promotional materials used by the field and to help him complete some project assignments. His great kindness and droll sense of humor struck me immediately. We became immediate friends. I couldn’t help but smile every time he came to see me; he had such an open face and friendly personality. He was innately intelligent; I never had to explain anything twice: he thrived on learning. Our paths parted after BW became part of GlaxoWellcome and, later, GlaxoSmithKline. I don’t think either of us knew that the other had continued on with the company. Not until Bert helped launch the BW Facebook page did we renew our friendship from 30+ years earlier. Bert was still the same smart, friendly, ever-seeking, ever-inquisitive, ever-positive person as he had been so long ago. My view is that Bert was as near perfect as anyone I’ve ever known. His untimely death was a terrible shock, but I know Bert lived a full and meaningful life until the end. My sincerest condolences go out to Bert’s family and friends. We were all lucky to know and love him."


Beth Pappas from Geneva, IL

"I only recently met Bert in the KCCN program but I enjoyed his wit, sense of humor, and sharing our love of nature. My sympathies go out to the Settle family, Bert will truly be missed."


Chris from Katakis, AK

"Rest In Peace Bert! Great friend and soul Bert never met a stranger. Regardless of your position or lot in life he treated everyone like his best friend. May his memory be eternal."


Tracey Scarlott Humphreys from Franklin , TN

"Bert….we shared the same Birthday, I cannot remember a Birthday that we didn’t call each other. I was the first female and new Burroughs Wellcome Representative in the Louisville District in 1984. Bert welcomed me that day with open arms and always a friend for years. As our lives changed and careers changed we always had the memories and love for the BW Days. Bert you will be missed each and everyday. Prayers to your family and friends."


Diane Lauterer from St Charles, IL

"I’ve only known Bert this last year and yet I’m devastated that he’s gone. We were classmates working towards our Naturalist certification. Bert impressed everyone with his curiosity and knowledge on so many subjects. He truly loved nature and science, he had a wicked sense of humor and was always so caring of others. When we were on hikes Bert always stayed in the back of the pack, looking out for and helping anyone struggling with snow or steep trails. He could make friends with anyone, and he did. I’d also see him playing Pickleball 2-3 times a week, and although new to the game he was a quick learner and quite the challenge. Everyone loved playing with him. On our last hike he talked about how excited he was to start working with the Chicago Cubs. It’s hard for all of us to believe this man so vibrant, intelligent and full of life is gone so suddenly. I am among so many others who will miss him. My deep condolences to his family and friends who loved him so much. RIP Bert"


Paul Culbertson from Prospect, KY

"Rest in peace Bert. Paul"


Tracey from Louisville, AK

"Bert was a bright spirit who I always sought out to meet with at our high school reunions. He was a delightful friend and I really enjoyed his company, sharp wit, and humor. Bert must be in heaven now because the world is feeling its loss of him and the weight bears down without him. The angels, however, are enjoying the company and brilliant light of a new friend. Goodbye, dear Bert. I will miss you terribly."


Kevin Ambs from Bedford , TX

"I went to Wesport High School with Bert as well as U of L, although he was in my younger brother's class. I worked at Kroger with him and that's is where I remember him most. I found him very funny with a dry whit. We both encouraged each other to have fun at work. We had recently got back in touch. I wanted so much to be at the service, but I couldn't leave due to another friend's death in TX. Bert was a good friend to have. He will be missed"


Sandy Wurtz from Geneva, IL

"I'm one of many who played pickleball with Bert. We have not known him long, but he made a big impression on us all. We didn't hear about his passing until Monday...too late to pay our respects. We're all curious as to what happened and did he ever get to work a Cubs game? He was so excited and loved to talk to another Cubs fan, me. I would appreciate if someone from the family would contact me at (630) 308-9317 or swurtz2000@yahoo.com.Our prayers are with all who feel his loss."


Tony Wood from Indianapolis, IN

"Bert was my trainer in 1990. I learned a great deal from Bert. I was very sad to hear of his passing."


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