Joseph L. Gehris, III
86 of Indianapolis, passed away on Sept. 16, 2014. He was born in Reading
Pennsylvania to Joseph L. Gehris II and Edna E. Lutz Gehris. He proudly served his
nation in the U.S. Army Sept. 1946 to June 1949. In 1958 he joined the Air Force 625th
Hospital Reserve at Fort Benjamin Harrison and served until 1965. He was married to
Barbara Barton in Richmond, VA Aug. 30, 1952. Joe was a dedicated professional
Registered Physical Therapist who was committed to the healing and quality of life of
his patients. He began his career at Crossroads and later joined the VA. In 1957 he
became the Chief P.T. at Community Hospital (now East) establishing the P.T. Dept.
where he served until 1975. He then established a private practice, retiring in 1996.
Joe and Barb enjoyed a number of years at their home on Sweet Water Lake in Brown
County and doing some traveling. He will always be remembered for his love of, and
pride in his Pennsylvania German ancestry dating back to 1732.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; his sister Miriam Gehris Schaeffer and
brother-in-law Kenneth A. Schaeffer of Reading, PA; his children: Janine L. Gehris of
Indianapolis; JoAnn E. Gehris Petry and son-in-law Neil Petry of Durham, NC; Joseph
L. Gehris IV and daughter-in-law Lori Urias-Gehris of Fishers; and his grandchildren
Ame L. Petry of Austin, TX and Megan E. Gehris of Fishers.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Servants of Christ Lutheran Church at 7650
Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis on Thurs., Sept. 25th at 2:00 PM, with visitation 1-2 PM.
A reception will follow at the church. Condolences and memories may be sent to Harry
W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46250 care of Leanne van de Bossche. In
lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joe?s name to Servants of Christ Lutheran
Church.