Joseph D. Barnette, Jr.

Former banker, community leader, mentor and friend to many, Joseph D. Barnette, Jr., died April 27, 2023, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his children and loving wife, Charlene. The couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, to Joseph and Frances Barnette, Joe graduated from Wabash College in 1961 where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He earned his MBA from Indiana University in 1968 and later was named to the Indiana University School of Business Academy of Alumni Fellows. He was also a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.

Joe spent his professional career in financial services, serving as President and CEO of The First National Bank of Evanston, Illinois and President and CEO of The Lakeview Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago. In 1982 he returned to Indianapolis where he served as President, Chairman, and CEO of Bank One Indiana, now JP Morgan Chase. Upon learning of Joe’s death, a fellow former Indianapolis bank president stated, “We lost one of the giants in Joe.” After retiring from his 40 year career in banking, Joe became President of the Sexton Companies.

Beyond his banking career, Joe served on the Board of Directors of Indianapolis Water Company/IWC Resources, IPALCO Enterprises, Inc, Indianapolis Power & Light Co., Meridian Insurance Group, Inc., and Old National Bancorp.

More than a local Indianapolis banking and business icon, Joe dedicated himself to the betterment of his community, serving on the boards of a wide variety of civic and service organizations. He served as chair of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Indianapolis Economic Development Corporation, United Way of Central Indiana, and the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation. His many other board commitments included the Arthur Jordan Foundation, 500 Festival Associates, The Children’s Museum, Boy Scouts of America, Community Leaders Allied for Superior Schools, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Project, Inc., Indianapolis Zoo, Junior Achievement, Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Companies, Pacers Foundation, United Negro College Fund, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. In addition, Joe participated in the Greater Naples Leadership program and served on the Board of Directors of Grace Place for Children and Families in Naples, Florida.

Joe was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Evan Bayh and Gov. Frank O’Bannon. He received the Charles L. Whistler Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service in bringing together the public and private sectors for a better Indianapolis, the Conner Prairie Spirit of the Prairie Business and Industry Award, the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School President’s Medal, B’Nai B’Rith Memorial Award Man of the Year, and the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, Indiana Chapter. In 2000 he was inducted into The Indiana Academy.

Joe’s lifelong commitment to his alma mater, Wabash College, was evidenced by his almost 30 years of service on its Board of Trustees, including nine years as its chair. The National Association of Wabash Men awarded him the Frank W. Misch Alumni Distinguished Service Award. For all you Wabash men, he was indeed “Some Little Giant.” He was granted an Honorary L.L.D.and a portion of the degree citation states, “. . .you have led with humility, wisdom, genial humor and courtly kindness.” Those who had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Joe would heartily agree. He will be remembered for his subtle and witty (and sometimes corny) sense of humor, his warm smile, and the twinkle in his eyes.

A friend described Joe this way, “We considered Joe one of our favorite people. He was not just good to be with, always interesting, friendly, bright, and caring, but also quietly serving as one of the giants in the business community of our city and state and all that comes with that.”

Even after suffering a debilitating stroke nine years ago, Joe maintained his stoic resolve - ever positive, never questioning, always ready to meet challenges and live life to the fullest. As another good friend stated, “he will be sorely missed.”

Joe was a long time member of Meridian Hills Country Club and Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida (although he never was a very good golfer.)

Joe is survived by his wife, Charlene; their children, John (Weer), Michael (Sally), and Anne Zalubowski (Matthew); grandchildren Campbell, Reese, and Sean Zalubowski; and brother, Dennis (Sunil).

Joe loved his family and friends, his life in Indianapolis and in Naples, and for the past twelve years, his special role as “Papa Joe.” A memorial and celebration of Joe’s life will take place on Wednesday, May 31, at 2:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, The Rev. C. Davies Reed officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wabash College, c/o Advancement Office, 301 West Wabash Avenue, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933; online at www.wabash.edu/give.