Joel Dee Tibbott, 82, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 6, 2015. He was born October 7, 1932, to Florence Althea and Robert Chadwick Tibbott in Sturgis, Michigan. Joel was a graduate of Sturgis High School and Western Michigan University. Joel proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. After college, Joel worked for the Harter Chair Company, moving with his wife to Dallas, Texas. Accepting a position with Jefferson National Life Insurance in Indianapolis, Indiana, meant a move back to the Midwest and closer to family. Joel worked for Jefferson National Life as a Vice President for over thirty-two years, until his retirement. Joel married his high school sweetheart, the former Barbara Delight Powers, on August 23, 1952, celebrating almost 63 years of marriage. He was a devoted family man and nothing pleased him more than family gatherings.
Joel is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; sister, Sonya (Terence) McCarthy; children, Tracy Armstrong, Tammi (Randell) Burgess, and Todd (Ana) Tibbott; grandchildren, Kiley Burgess, Adam Burgess, Shabriel Rivers, and Tyler Tibbott; great-granddaughter, Ilyana Etters; niece, Michelle (Bret) Godsey; nephews, Shannon (Joann) McCarthy and Brendan (Tina) McCarthy; as well as great-nieces and nephews, Connor and Garrett Godsey and Morgan, Callie, Jacob, and Lauren McCarthy. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In accordance with Joel’s wishes, cremation has taken place and graveside services, with internment of cremated remains, will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, Sturgis, Michigan on June 6, 2015, with pastor Cal Kolzow of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.