April 29, 1946 – December 16, 2025
Joel David Roberts, was born April 29, 1946, in Evansville, Ind. Joel lived a life defined by faith, service, community, and a loving devotion to family and friends. He was the son of Douglas and Ruth (Graves) Roberts and grew up in Winchester, Ind., where he attended Lee L. Driver High School.
Joel met the love of his life, Connie Haworth, in the seventh grade – a bond that would shape the rest of his life. They were married on September 15, 1967.
Joel attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, earning a degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he played on the Rose-Hulman golf team and formed lifelong friendships through his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. Following graduation, Joel and Connie moved to Indianapolis, where he began working at Indiana Bell while attending law school at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis. During this time, they welcomed three daughters.
After completing law school, Joel relocated to Portland, Ind., where he practiced law at Clamme and Roberts, served as a Deputy Prosecutor, and later was appointed Superior Court Judge in Jay County. Joel served with distinction as Superior Court Judge for 20 years. Following his retirement, he continued to serve the people of Indiana as a Special Judge throughout the state. In recognition of his service and character, Joel was honored with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award.
Joel was deeply committed to his community. He volunteered extensively with numerous organizations, including the Rotary Club, Cincinnatus League, Knights of Columbus, Jay County Arts Place, Jay Community Center Board, and the Portland Foundation. His faith was central to his life.
An avid golfer, Joel also loved reading, playing the guitar, singing, and watching sports – especially Indiana University athletics, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Reds. He cherished traveling with Connie and treasured time spent with family and friends. Above all, Joel was an extraordinarily devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend as was adored by all who were closest to him.
Joel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie Roberts; brother, Brad (Stacy) Roberts; sister, Polly Roberts; daughters, Kim (Chris) Janak, Lexie (Patrick) Hughes, and Kristen (Brad) Robling; and his cherished grandchildren: Joel, John, and Joshua Janak; Quinn, Jenna, and Noah Hughes; and Nick, Sophia, Jacqueline, and Luke Robling.
Those who knew Joel will remember him as kind, generous with his time and talents, humble, and fiercely devoted to his family. He was deeply grounded in his Catholic faith and known for his witty, dry sense of humor. Joel was profoundly loved by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and friends, and he will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.
Visitation and funeral services were held Monday, December 22 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 17102 Spring Mill Road, Westfield.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com