Joe Louis Rouse

He attended grade school in Evansville and graduated from Lincoln Douglas High School in Evansville, IN. Following graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for three years. After serving in the Air Force, he was employed at Shamrock Barber Shop on Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. Following his employment at Shamrock Barber Shop, he worked at the Indianapolis Public Transportation, later known as Metro Bus Company and IndyGo where he retired in 2005.

Joe was baptized at an early age at McFarland Baptist Church, Evansville. Upon moving to Indianapolis, he joined Mt. Paran Baptist Church on October 24, 1982. He was a faithful member of the church’s bus ministry and later became director of the bus ministry. He was also very active in the Male Chorus.

In May 1981 he married Willa Ratliff Lolla and together they raised 6 children—4 girls and 2 boys. Joe loved spending time with family and close friends and was a sports enthusiast. He was a very kind, quiet and loving individual.

After an extended illness, on March 14, 2025, God decided to call Joe home. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Hattie Rouse, daughter Bonita Rouse, sisters, Norma Crowe, Deloris Johnson and Billie Jean Henderson, brothers Rev. Melvin Rouse and J.W. Rouse. He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.