Joseph, one of eleven children, was born January 28, 1928 in Mt. Erie, IL to William and Rachel (Gardner) Atwood. He married Margaret Gibson, daughter of Clifton and Ann Gibson (deceased) of West Salem, IL, October 13, 1949 at Mishawaka, IN. with her brother Eugene Gibson and his wife in attendance. Rev. Duncan Mac Nab officiated at the wedding. To this union, four children were born.
Joseph was a member of the Maple Grove Congregation. Taking Jesus as his Savior when he was a young man, he served Him faithfully the rest of his life. He was a veteran of the Korean War Era. Joe was a purchasing agent for the Fairfield Hospital for twenty-five years. He helped establish the North Wayne Ambulance and served on the board. Joe was president of the hospital’s Tri State Purchasing Group. His lively hood also included farmer, school bus driver, and was village clerk of Mt. Erie for many years. He lived in Mt. Erie and raised his family there. Joe enjoyed gardening, taking trips, and spending time with loved ones.
Joseph is survived by his wife Margaret Atwood of Mt. Erie, IL; two daughters Beverly (Gene) Gardner of Wayne City, IL and Kathy (Bill) Shelby of West Salem, IL; two sons William (Robin) Atwood of Flora, IL and Joseph Jr. (Melanie) Atwood of Evansville, IN; one sister Joann Simmons of Mt. Erie, IL and a brother Lowell (Ina) Atwood of Olney, IL. Grandchildren Ben (Melissa) Gardner, Sarah (Levi) Draper, Erin (Matt) Bosecker, Bill (Kristina) Shelby, Joe (Rachel) Shelby, Josh Shelby, Matthew (Tracy) Atwood, Nathan (Courtney) Atwood, Laura (James) Beeson, Mychal Atwood, Amanda (Jeremy) Taylor, Ariel Atwood, Adam Atwood, and Shannon (John) Hurliman also survive. Joe was also loved dearly by thirteen great-grandchildren and will be missed by all of his brothers and sisters of the faith.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Gerald Atwood 1935, Layton Atwood 1982, Loyde Atwood 1983, Robert Atwood 1992, Donald Atwood 2006, sisters Martha Street 1995, Violet Merrick 1999, and Mary Smith 2009.
Funeral services for Joseph M. Atwood will be 2PM Sunday, May 4th, 2014 at Maple Grove Congregation at Mt. Erie, IL with Grandson Ben Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in Travers Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8PM Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at Hosselton Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to Mt. Erie Water Tower Fund and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.
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