Dear Joe,

They did it! The Indiana Football Hoosiers had a perfect season! They are the National Champions, Joe! With each game they won, I thought of you. Oh, how you loved the team, the tailgates, the quest! You believed in Indiana when they went 3 -9, 4-8, even when they won only 2 games and lost 10! You never gave up! For a while, I was sad about this year's successes because I have loved you so much, my friend. I still love you, Joe! I wanted you to be here to witness this miracle. Then, it occurred to me, you probably made an Indiana fan of the Good Lord about 5 minutes after you passed through the Gate of Heaven.  Was it predestination, you good Presbyterian, or did you make a sale on the streets of gold? At least, I'm giving you credit for it; you deserve it. You always gave me grief for being a Kentucky fan, but this year I rooted for your team--for you! I wish I could talk to you about it. I'll settle for this. I must for now. But promise me we'll break it down, play by play, when I get there. The Hoosiers are National Champs and you were in the room with me for the whole game! I'll never forget it!

Your friend,

Mike Hays

Saddened by Joe's passing. I was his roommate at Kappa Sigma IU when we had a pirate radio station in our room broadcasting only as far as Smithwood, the girls dorm.  Joe had the pledges man the phones to take requests from the girls. Joe numbered the dorm windows, top to bottom, A thru G, and across, 1 thru 24, to see who was calling. A very handy grid.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing.  What a wonderful man of God.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe virtually during the pandemic.  Joe joined a band of brothers in the pursuit of the Kingdom of God called "Three Times The Man" who met via ZOOM 3 times per week Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 5:00 a.m. and he was a faithful contributor sharing his life story.  

My greatest memory was a story he told about removing clutter from his home that he had held on from his children (daughter, I believe).  The take-away was to let some things go, we should clean out the clutter sometimes.  

Joe- My prayers to your family and friends as I know you'll be missed but you have moved on to a better a place, a place where there is No More Pain or Suffering.  I have confidence in knowing this because I know you were a man of GREAT FAITH.

Until we meet again my Friend, rest well!

In Christ,
Kenny Jones

Cindy,
I came to know Joe through a band of brothers, “The Times The Man.”  I was saddened to hear about his passing. He was a remarkable man who served his country, his family, and his God with honor and integrity. We would meet at 5 AM, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to encourage and pray. Our only contact was on a zoom call, but we became friends.  We shared a lot in common, both military men, but especially being the two oldest in the group of Three Times The Man.  He always had a kind word, a wise advice, and a good sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and give you peace in this difficult time.
Glenn Ellison, just an old friend

Frank Ferdon writing on behalf of Richard.

Richard was a patient in the Indianapolis VA for a number of months.
Joe would make regular visits to see Richard always bringing either donuts from Joes Tuesday morning Bible Study or some snack.

Joe would spend time sharing sharing stories of his family and of course.

To the best of my knowledge Joe was Richards only visitor.

One item that stands out was Joe actually giving Richard a pair of shoes since Richard arrived to the VA, minus all of his personally belongings.

ON A SEPARATE NOTE

Joe was active with a non-profit providing legal advice to men innocent of crimes in prison.
Joe along with Steve Adair, a IU Kappa Sig, worked to free one such individual from incarceration in Northern Indiana.

My memories with Joe start in Jr. High and continued to the day he passed.  Memories are many.  We were life long White Sox  fans and shared the joy and disappointment of the 1959 AL championship.  He and I took our high school German exchange student, who didn’t know a baseball from a cotton ball, to a game, great fun.  We were in band  and put together a German Band.  Fun but never  won any talent show.  As high schoolers , we drove all over Porter  County  nailing Republican campaign posters to utility polls.  We played whiffle ball and hung out in his basement playing the board game Gettysburg.  Joe was part of our high school bridge group. First time I drank too much beer was in Joe’s house.  Our friendship continued through college, Kappa Sigma brotherhood, into adults,  and as senior citizens.  Rachel and I were  guests in his home, and at his famous tailgate events where his love for IU was on full display. 

What I remember most about Joe was his infectious sense of humor.  He found  a way to find humor in almost everything.   He was a good and loyal friend and I shall miss him.

Brother Joe, we will miss you. I pledged Kappa Sigma Fraternity at IU for several reasons and Joe was one of them. We have been friends since 1962. Yes, that’s over 60 years.
Hats off to Joe for his military service. Joe was awarded the Purple Heart twice while in Vietnam Nam. 
Joe was smart, friendly and had a great sense of humor. He came to me one day and said now that you are an active member of the fraternity I want to get you into Columbia. I said, what, the University. Joe said no, the record club. There must have been over fifty of us enrolled. You got 10 vinyl 33.3 records for $1.00 then you received two more albums each month. This lasted until you didn’t make more payments. The postman would drop off about fifty albums a month.
Joe, thanks for your friendship. You’re the greatest.

"The Droz" was a great friend. Back in the 70s in West Lafayette, he introduced me to a luncheon basketball group at Lambert Fieldhouse. Here we were, two IU guys competing against Purdue staffers and athletes. Great memories. But better yet was his loyal friendship that sustained over the decades. I got such a kick out of his sports radio talk show in Lafayette, his shared passion for IU football, his tour of tailgating at stadiums around the country (resulting in his terrific Tailgater's Handbook complete with recipes) and his devotion to family. I must have heard about how Joey dominated Frankfort in a basketball game (I'm a Frankfort grad) dozens of times. Joe was a great kidder, but also a loyal and kind-hearted friend. I'll miss you, big guy.

Cindy and Family

Your hubby's Foundation was built on:

Faith & Family

Joe Served Our County with Honor and Distinction.

Our San Diego Bible Study, which Joe and several members of 
Second Pres, attended a few years ago, are praying for Peace and Confort for you Cindy and your Family.
God Bless

I knew Joe from La fitness. He was the kindest gentleman. Always spoke to people with their culture in mind. Connected with me with my language, and my son’s love for sports. He spoke of his grandchildren’s school, and often suggested we join them. 
I will miss him, his kind presence was always so nice to see. 
My sincere condolences to the family. 
With respect, 
Kat Hanif.

Cindy and Family
As a fellow Kappa Sig and Brother in Christ, all of us appreciate Joes dedication in his Service to our Country.
My best memory was this time last year when your Hubby invited me to attend his Tuesday morning Bible Study.
It was Joes time to play host meaning Joe brought a full breakfast for some 14 members at Second Pres.
Joe was active in joining in the Q&A as we walked through the study with rapid fire open discussion among the group.

Joe loved IU and authored books on various aspects to IU Sports legends.
Joe loved to discuss both his Faith and Family and was so proud of each family member.

We miss you Joe,
Frank Ferdon

OBITUARY

Joseph Michael Drozda

August 3, 1943 – November 30, 2023

Leppert Mortuaries – Carmel

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