Joseph B. Pence

Joseph B. Pence, 87, passed away quickly Saturday February 15, 2020 at 2:32 am of heart related issues at St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo.  He was born February 29, 1932 to Frank and Helen (McCune) Pence in Cassville where he lived his entire life. In 1959 Joe married Patricia Thomas who survives.

He graduated vice president of his class from Northwestern High School in 1951. He was a natural athlete who excelled on the boys’ basketball and baseball teams, held the county pole vaulting title for many years, and collected a variety of trophies throughout his lifetime. 

Joe was stationed in Shaftesbury, England as an air policeman with the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country during the Korean conflict. He made new friends while in England and came across Stonehenge once while riding motorcycles, before it was a tourist attraction.

In 1988 Joe retired as test garage supervisor from Chrysler with 20 plus years. He also worked at Continental Steel and was a heavy equipment operator. After retiring he enjoyed doing carpentry work for his brother Jim, building and remodeling. He was considered a master mechanic by all who knew him, always having time to help neighborhood kids with bicycles or vehicles

Joe enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. He grew up hunting and fishing with his older brother Jim and had wonderful memories of the many trips they made to Canada, Colorado, and Idaho. They enjoyed shooting trap at the Izaak Walton League in younger years. He mourned his brother's death in 2001.

He loved traveling to Lake Placid, FL every winter with his wife Patricia where they rented a lake house and actively enjoyed friends and family.

Devoted to his wife and family, he lived a good and wholesome life with a greater way about him. He appreciated the world around him, always ready to go somewhere and do something.

He will be greatly missed.

Surviving family include his wife Patricia C. Pence, Kokomo; his son Michael F. Pence and lifetime companion Sharleen Patterson, Palmetto, FL; his daughter Barrie C. Pence and husband David Weicht of Pierceton, IN; his sister Jane A. Lamberson of Jacksonville, FL. Joe is also survived by his sister-in-law Laneis Pence of Greentown; step grandson Tristen Weicht; step great grandson Teigan Weicht; step great granddaughter Ava Davis; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother James L. Pence.

In keeping with his wishes, no services are scheduled at this time.  Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements. A video tribute may be seen and condolences may be sent to his family at www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

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