Joseph Lee Arthur

The majority of Joe’s work career was spent behind the wheel of a truck. He loved to tell stories of his time on the road hauling load after load of sand to build beaches at our state parks and asphalt to build our roads and highways. He also loved being on the road. Joe was fortunate to have seen 49 of our 50 states while driving a semi loaded with a variety of goods. He has been front row to Johnny Cash singing from the step of his tour bus while stopped at a truck stop. He ate breakfast with Crystal Gail and Loretta Lynn and was privy to a conversation about Loretta having to fire her tour bus driver because he showed up in the wrong city for the second time. Joe always kicked himself for not saying, “I can drive a bus,” during the conversation.

Joe was generous. Friend, family or stranger, if you needed it and he had it to give, it was yours. You could always count on him to be there in a time of need.

His best friend was named CB. CB was a disabled raccoon and he meant the world to Joe. CB was served steak and eggs in the morning and frequent marshmallows throughout the day. CB had an outdoor condo Joe hand built but most of the time CB was wherever Joe was. Joe and CB will be together throughout eternity.

Joe enjoyed ALL of his friends in Lyons, Indiana. Having morning coffee at the station and talking smack and flirting with the girls was one of the highlights of his day.

Joe is preceded in death by parents, Joseph Arthur, Jack and Gladys Leach, Sondra Miller (sister), Shane Arthur(grandson) and CB(best friend).

He is survived by his children, Shannon (Carter) Criger, Shawn (Keri) Arthur, Jeff (Krystal) Arthur, and other members of the family, Joseph (Payton) Champion and Eric (Jennifer) Roberson and Cathy (Jason) Messick, Angie (Doug) Millar, Rob (Lori) Goodpastor, Rhonda (Dax) James. Grandchildren: Frankie (Amber) Busby, Peyton Arthur, Bella, Makaitlyn, Hazel, Lilah, Bryar and Ali; Sisters Renee (Michelle Bilbrey) Leach and Jennifer (Cory) Rash. Brothers; Mark (Rose) Arthur, and Jimmy Arthur.