Joseph E. Badger

Joseph E. Badger, age 89, of Newburgh, Indiana, formerly of Bloomington, Indiana passed away Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. Born September 29, 1935 in Brazil, Indiana, he was the son of Joseph Peters Badger and Lucy Frances (Culp) Badger. Joseph graduated from Indiana State Teachers College (Indiana State University) with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He started a career in radio at WTHI in Terre Haute until he was recruited by the Indiana State Police where he retired with the rank of Sergeant. He later worked as a private accident reconstructionist. He was a member of the Burton Woolery American Legion Post #18 in Bloomington. He had formerly served with the Santa Claus, Indiana Volunteer Fire Dept.

Joseph is survived by his two sons; Michael (Nancy) Badger, of Chrisney, Indiana and Dane (Yuko) Badger, of Evansville, Indiana, one daughter, Erica (Chris) Burke, of Cincinnati, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Jonathon David Freeman, Eric Freeman, Joseph Badger, Cortland Kramer, Brett Kramer, Megan Badger, Sarah Martin and Jordan Badger and three great-grandchildren, Emberlynn Martin, Mabel Martin and Penelope Badger.

Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife, Penny (DeVault) Badger, second wife, Linda (Ullery) Badger, one daughter, Angele Freeman and one grandson, Blake Donovan Kramer in 2004.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 12:00 noon at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home; 4150 E. Third St; Bloomington, Indiana. Interment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may visit the family on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to one's charity of choice supporting either cancer or dementia research.

Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com