May 21, 1970 – June 3, 2024
Joe Lee Walden, 54, Sheridan, passed away, surround by his family, best friend, and those he loved most in this world, on Monday evening, June 3, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Born May 21, 1970, in Lebanon, Ind., he was the son of the late Joe Edward and Shirley Gay (Sims) Walden.
He was a proud graduate of Sheridan High School, Class of 1991.
Joe was never one to let the grass grow under his feet. He spent 16 years working for Speedway gas station as their resident jack-of-all-trades, doing anything and everything that needed to be done to keep the store running smoothly and efficiently. From 2007 to 2022, he worked as a paper carrier with the Indianapolis Star, during which time he ensured each of his customers received excellent service. As his health declined, Joe switched over to the assembly side of the business, and from 2020 until 2023 helped his son assemble the daily deliveries for other carriers. The time spent together, working closely with his son, was a wonderful bonding experience for both of them.
Joe enjoyed doing yard work and gardening, as well as going fishing whenever he could get the chance. He also loved watching the Colts, unless they played on Monday night; Mondays were reserved for watching wrestling. Joe was also a collector; his collections of piggy banks and Camel memorabilia were coming along nicely. He loved to watch movies, or the idea of watching movies – he rarely made it through one without falling asleep, in spite of his Mountain Dew consumption. He enjoyed puzzles and woodworking, and tinkering around with things – taking them apart, cleaning them, putting them back together – to him there was just something oddly satisfying about it.
No matter what Joe had going on in his life, there was never anything more important than his family.
Joe is survived by his girlfriend, Sonya Gibbs-Willem of Sheridan; his son, Joe Lee “Jo-Jo” Walden II of Noblesville; daughter, Gertrude W. Finney (Sean) of Alexandria, Ind.; two grandchildren, Aydan Finney and Andru Finney; sister, Gaynell Walsh-Franssica of Sylva, N.C.; and by his “little buddy,” Tristan Gibbs-Willem. Uncle Joe will always live in your heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Edward and Shirley Gay (Sims) Walden; and two brothers-in law, David Walsh and Pete Franssica.
Visitation and services were held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan.
Joe always preferred dressing as comfortably as possible. Attendees were asked to help honor his memory by dressing in the same fashion for his services: casual and comfortable, just like he would have wanted.
Burial followed at Eagle Creek Cemetery. Pastor Steve Carlock officiated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the National Kidney Foundation.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com