Joseph R. Lawhead

Born on January 22, 1943 in Evansville, IN, Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Fonda (Chapman) Lawhead. Joseph attended Indiana State University where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics/Accounting. For a period of time, he was an Economist for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Being a family minded man though, he left this D.C. based position to work at Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati, OH, where he retired as the Assistant Treasurer. Concurrent with working at PandG, Joe taught Economics to Master's degree students at the University of Northern Kentucky.

He had a dry and witty sense of humor that left people laughing and puzzled at the same time. He was an intelligent individual that read voraciously about history and racing, as well as a multitude of other topics. His interests, just to name a few, included woodworking, furniture making, attending dirt track and Indy car races and cross country travel. Joe always listened to music, hummed or sang a tune, sometimes making up his own songs, which were sure to put a smile on your face. Joe loved all creatures great and small, and was even known to catch a spider in the house and walk it outside. His heart was broken when the family dog, Rags, crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He volunteered for United Way, and served on the Board of the American Red Cross in Cincinnati, OH. A humble man, he gave of himself without any need for recognition, and took little credit when honored by the American Red Cross with an award for exceptional volunteer service. Most notably, he was a man of high moral and ethical behavior, who treated and taught his children to treat, all people and animals with respect and dignity. He was a member of Saint Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus.

He will be missed by his wife of 51 years, Mary Sue (Spear) Lawhead. Joe and Sue met when Joe was in 8th grade and Sue was in 7th grade. Sue knew at that moment that they would be more than childhood sweethearts. Joe, a consummate gentleman, was devoted to the love of his life, just as Sue was to him. Also surviving are children, Joe Lawhead III and Alison (Luke) Trimble; grandchildren, Hunter R. Lawhead and Sierra M. Lawhead; sister Donna Jeanne Peak, as well as brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a loving and compassionate husband, father and friend and will be missed by all that knew him.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Our Family Home and Kobacker House for their love, kindness, support, compassion and care.

Friends may pay their respects to the family from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Saint Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corner Rd., Columbus, OH, 43230. A Memorial Mass will be observed at 11:00am with Fr. Ted Sill, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Matthew's Charitable Works, Mid-Ohio Food Bank or Kobacker House.