Joseph Robert Smith

Joe was born in Rochester, IN, on July 23, 1944, to Clay M. and Ruth C. (Quick) Smith. He died Dec. 4, 2022, following a brief illness. Joe enjoyed growing up in a typical American small town following W.W. II. He was a member of the First Christian Church, and was active in youth activities there. He learned to drive a stick shift at his dad’s tractor dealership, and was always ready for a poker game with his high school buddies. A heart condition from early childhood prevented him from participating in many active sports, but he enjoyed playing trombone and baritone in the high school band. He was also part of a small jazz band formed at that time. Joe graduated from Rochester High School in 1962, and went on to study computer technology, a field just beginning to catch on with industry. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant, and then began a career with Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Indianapolis, IN, from which he retired more than 25 years later. He later worked as a consultant, aiding in updating paperless claim processing for the State of Indiana. In his later years, he and his wife Jo enjoyed living on a small lake near Indianapolis, doting on their cat Mia and actively sustaining several bird families, turtles, fish and other wildlife on a daily basis. They were active in their neighborhood Clickers group. In addition to his wife, Joe leaves behind a son, Christopher (Shirley) Smith of Greencastle, IN; daughter Andrea (Simon) Gallagher of Zionsville, IN; step-daughter Karla (Jack) Hayden of Mentone, IN; grandchildren, Daniel and Deanna Bishop, Drake Smith of Greencastle, IN, Samantha and Alexandra Gallagher of Zionsville, IN; step-granddaughter Alexis Henry of Warsaw, IN. Also surviving are sisters Marilyn (George) Davis, Westminster, CO, and Sandra Mudd, Webster Groves, MO, cousin Bob Quick, Medford, NJ, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Carol Jean Smith in 1962, brother Mark Smith in 2022, and step-son Mathew Henry in 2021. Following his wishes, no memorial service will be held.