COLUMBUS
Joseph Edward Deckard, 87, of Columbus, passed away at 3:55 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Silver Oaks health Campus.
Joseph was born November 24, 1935, in Nashville, Indiana, the son of Lonnie and Elsie Mae (Floyd) Deckard. Mr. Deckard was one of nine children born at the farmhouse in Brown County. On November 28, 1964, he married Darlene Kay Pershing in Bloomington, Indiana.
He was drafted into the United States Army in November of 1958 until October of 1960. He was in Germany for most of that time operating a large atomic gun. He worked at Cummins Engine Company from 1967 until June of 1998. Joseph was a member of the Diesel Union and the death benefit plan at Cummins. He was also a member of the emergency response team there. After surviving a battle with cancer in 1997, he was able to enjoy being a handyman to his family, friends and neighbors. He found enjoyment in attending his grandkid’s soccer games. Joseph was part of the 1955 graduating class at Brown County High School.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene; children, Joetta (Tim) Deckard-Spray, Jerrett (Julie) Deckard; grandchildren, Joseph Thomas Deckard, Elizabeth Ann Deckard; sisters, Maxine Braswell of Albany, Georgia, Lucille Stephens of Bloomington, Indiana; brother, Lonnie (Darlene) Deckard, Jr. also of Nashville, Indiana; sister-in-law, Joy Deckard of Columbus; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leslie and Earlena Deckard, Herman and Wilma Jean Deckard, Cecil and Eleanor Deckard, Louie Deckard; sister, Peggy Mae Armstrong and brother-in-law, Kenny Stephens.
A graveside committal service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Bruce Bond officiating. Visitation only will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. Military honors will be presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
The Deckard family kindly requests that those who attend the visitation or graveside service to please wear a mask.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus East Fire Department, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Joseph’s family at barkesweaverglick.com.
