Paul D. “Joe” Longnecker, age 89 of rural Lawrenceville, passed away Friday, September 9, 2016 in Vincennes, IN at Good Samaritan Hospital.
He was born in Lawrence County to Charles and Anna Elizabeth Longnecker on March 14, 1927.
Joe married Norma Jean Updike, and she preceded him in death in 2001.
He was a member of the United States Army and the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Joe went to Vincennes Business College. He then went on to be a farmer. Joe enjoyed driving a school bus for many years, and he also worked for the Illinois State Highway Department.
Joe was a long-time member of the Bethany Christian Church. He was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels delivering meals for the Bridgeport Senior Citizens. He was also seen at the Lawrenceville Senior Citizens eating on a regular basis. He also volunteered at the Sign of the Kingdom. Joe enjoyed sports, be he especially liked rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Surviving family includes: one son- Larry Joe Longnecker of rural Sumner: two granddaughters- Ashley Hering and her husband Mark of Sumner and Lacy Motch and her husband Richard of Salem: two grandsons- David Hose and his wife Heather of Oakland City, IN and Jonathan Hose and his wife Amanda of Evansville, IN: four great-grandchildren- Ava Jean Pedersen, Finley Hering, Lydia Hose, and Vivian Motch: his long-time companion- Melvia Stoltz: one brother- Atchison “Barney” Longnecker: and one son-in-law- Wendell Hose.
He was preceded in death by: his parents- Charles and Anna Elizabeth Longnecker: his wife- Norma Jean Longnecker: his daughter- Lynette Hose: one grandson- Brandon Lee Longnecker: four brothers- Lowell “Bob” Longnecker, Robert “Trig” Longnecker, Harold “Pude” Longnecker: and Gail Longnecker: four sisters- Lela Miles, Bertha Mickey, Nonnie Peck, and Josephine Martin.
A funeral service will be held for Paul D. “Joe” Longnecker on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cunningham-Young Funeral Home in Lawrenceville. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Charlottesville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bethany Christian Church or to the Bridgeport Senior Citizens. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.