Robert Joe Whitesel, 69, of Converse, Indiana, died at 3:39 p.m., July 30, 2018 at his home. He was born May 23, 1949 in Wabash, Indiana to Robert and Ruth Anna (Wright) Whitesel.
Joe graduated from Southwood High School in rural Wabash County in 1967 and completed his business degree at Indiana University School of Business in 1971. He married Karen Mendenhall in LaFontaine, Indiana on August 15, 1970. Joe owned and operated Whitesel Clothing in Converse for 10 years, then worked as an insurance agent for American United Life – Semler Financial until his retirement earlier this year. He was one of the original volunteer EMT’s for Converse Ambulance, was a member of the Converse Church of Christ where he served as Deacon, the Converse Lions Club, Quad County Medical Board (Converse Clinic) where he served as President, Converse Economic Development Corp where he was treasurer, President of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Board, Wabash Valley Music Association Board, and a 20-year Converse Library Board member.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Whitesel of Converse, two children, Laura (Jason) Miller and Matt (Beth) Whitesel, five grandchildren, Jackson Miller, Max Miller, Riley Whitesel, Tyler Whitesel, and Carley Whitesel, all of Wabash, and his sister, Margaret Whitesel of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 3, 2018 at Converse Church of Christ, 301 E. Wabash Street, Converse, with John Clark officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 3 – 8 p.m., Thursday, at the church. Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorial is Converse Church of Christ.
The memorial guest book for Joe may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.