Joe E. Rouse

Joe passed on May 31, 2013 from heart failure. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, G. Julia Rouse (Woolbright). Together they have a combined family of 9 children. 2 daughters, Tonya K Sanderson (Blake) of Fishers, IN; Tammy Jo Standeford, of Spencer, IN; and 7 sons, James Oral Rouse of Noblesville, IN; Terry Edwin Rouse of New Oreans, LA; Skip Cameron Dunlap of Indianapolis, IN; Mike McPeek of Fort Worth, TX; Herbie Mc Peek of Indianapolis, IN; Jimmy Voils of Westfield, IN. He was preceded in death by his father Oral Hampton Rouse and Hazel Rouse (Anderson) of Tompkinsville, KY; his 5 sisters and 2 brothers, and a step-son Ricky McPeek.

He was loved and adored by all of his grandchildren: Jacob, Carter, Duane, Josh, Erica as well as all his step grandchildren and the many children of his "adopted" kids. He was known to many as "Pappaw" and "Dad".

Born on a farm in Tompkinsville, KY he had 5 sisters and 2 brothers (all deceased). His love of gardening began on this farm and continued through his entire life. He would plant tomatoes next to a rose bush and beans next to lillies. He made the most of out his small yard in Noblesville, but made sure it felt like "home".

On that farm in KY, his love of animals began. As a teenager, he went to the local drive-in theater on horseback instead of a car. Through his entire life, he nurtured and cared for any stray, lost, or wild animal. His genuine giving nature reached beyond animals and touched many hearts.

A machinist by trade, he spent his career building airplanes at Milturn. His heart was physically unable to sustain the demands and passion of this career and therefore he was forced to make life alterations. Known as "Gunslinger" on the CB Radio circuit, he became involved in many groups and broadened his awareness of social needs. All of the organizations where his passion was directed involved helping others. These included Muscular Dystrophy fundraising, REACT (a roadside assistace team), a member of the NRA and he supported gun safety and education, he more recently fell in love with motorcycles and riding in the open air.

A newly acquired interest was basketball. He wasn't much of a sports follower for most of his life, but he fell in love with this game in the last 5 years and became an avid fan of many youth players, most notably his 2 grandsons Jacob and Carter. He enjoyed building birdhouses with any scrap of wood. He would tinker in his garage for hours repairing things, building things, and painting things. There was never a list of things to do, because he would always just do them.

He was the epitomy of an honest man and expected nothing less of those around him. He embedded these values deep within his loved ones. His greatest happiness would come from the smiles of those he loved. A simple man by definition, he was an inspirational man by virtue. His love for his wife, Judy and his little dog "Baby Girl" and Grand dog "Ginger", was the purest example of unwavering dedication. He leaves us with much to be proud about and memories that will comfort with us every day of our life. His smile, his laughter, his twisted sense of humor, his sheer delight of awkward moments, and his determination to make the most of every day with words and actions.

"No farewell words were spoken. No time to say Goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why."

We love you. We will forever miss you. We will pass on your values and virtues. We will honor you with every good deed. The greatest is what we've had and we thank you.

Joe Rouse: Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, and last but certainly not least Pappaw

-Your Loving Family

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Hamilton County Humane Society, 1721 Pleasant St., Noblesville, In. 46060