Joe Gene Monce

Joe Monce was born in 1934 in Petroleum, Indiana as the first of four children (Kent, Connie, and Jack) to Henry and Marjorie. In high school, he played baseball, basketball and enjoyed building model planes. Joe’s knowledge of automotive mechanics began by working in Monce’s Garage owned by his father. His father’s saying of “If there is a will, there is a way” was a lifelong motto. Joe was a Navy Veteran from the Korean War era of 1953-1961. His Navy records recommended a “waiver of test score requirements due to strong motivation.” After enlisting, he attended Molder School in San Diego. He served on the U.S.S. Amphion (AR-13) (Lead Repair Ship) traveling between New York and Cuba. Joe was decorated with the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal (1st Award). While in the Navy, he married Norma in (1954) and had two sons, John and Larry. After his first marriage, they were divorced and he met his second wife, Diane. He decided he enjoyed the two-son family and did it again with Mike and Ken. Diane and Joe continue to be married for 53 years. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he was employed by Panhandle Eastern for 25+ years. His employment began as a “Warehouse Man” (making $65/week) and ended as an Oil and Natural Gas Superintendent. He lived and worked in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Utah, North Dakota, Montana, and home base of Green River, Wyoming. After honing his onsite drilling and completion skills with Panhandle Eastern, he became an independent onsite consultant. He worked incredibly long and difficult hours, usually living onsite at the rig site (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). This work allowed him and his 2nd family to explore the beautiful Western United States. In 1987, the US policy of producing our own energy shifted and we began importing oil from Middle Eastern sources. This devastated the US oil and natural gas market by shutting down most national operations. Wyoming went from 85 operating wells to 7. At the age of 53, Joe tried to pivot and find relatable work, however times were challenging within his lifelong industry. Joe eventually found work in Bradenton, Florida at Wellcraft Boats. He had built his own small hydroplane boat and sailboat in his earlier years and decided to make this earlier hobby a new career. It was a difficult transition from being your own boss in Wyoming (God’s Country) to punching a time clock in a warehouse building fiberglass boats. Joe persevered to provide for his family. After a few years, it was time to pivot again, and Joe decided to attend diesel mechanic school and worked in this trade until retirement. Even though work was challenging, he enjoyed coming home to his well-trained family dog. Joe’s happiest times were living in Wyoming, camping, boating, snowmobiling, water-skiing, hunting, fishing, and working in his garage. Joe had the patience to catch Rainbow trout and the determination and self-learned skills to build or repair almost anything. His skills and hard work ethic were life models for his sons and grandchildren. His son Larry, and granddaughter Emily, followed his footsteps by joining the Navy. Joe’s four sons (John, Larry, Mike and Ken) were married and had nine grandchildren (Jessie, Angela, Tyler, Kyle, Dalton, Emily, Benjamin, Jacob and Sweet Eleanor) and two great-grandchildren. Joe’s legacy continues through his loving family and his motto “If there is a will, there is a way”. A Celebration Of Life with Military Honors will be held on Fri., Jan. 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. Military honors will be rendered first with the United States Navy and American Legion Post #155 of Crystal River, FL rendering the honors. Chaplain Kelly Greenawald from Vitas Hospice will then officiate the celebration. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. www.wilderfuneral.com