Obituary

Joseph "Joe" Bolen, Jr., 78, of Avilla died Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 4 a.m. in his residence.

Mr. Bolen moved to this area in 1967, coming from Kentucky. He retired from Kendallville Foundry. He attended Ashley Love-Divine Baptist Church in Ashley.

He was born May 17, 1932, in Knott County, Kentucky, to Joseph Bolen, Sr. and Alonzo (Boleyn) Bolen.

Surviving are three daughters, Debbie (Joe Ray) Prater of War, West Virginia, Sandy Naese of Bourbonnaise, Illinois, and Rebecca Bolen of Kendallville; six sons, Danny Ray (Sue) Bolen of Middlebury, Damon Bolen of Avilla, Dwayne Bolen of New York, Tom John Bolen of Avilla, Jody Bolen of Peoria, Illinois, and Robert (Debbie) Bolen of Avilla; 30 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two sisters, Bonnie Johnson of Illinois, and Cora Barker of South Milford; and two brothers, Jim Bolton of Illinois and Garland Gibson of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Bolen; a sister, Marie Vanclarbon; and five brothers, Shelton Bolen, Bernis Bolen, Milford Handshoe, Milton Handshoe, and Monroe Gibson.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 4 p.m. in Ashley Love Divine Church, with Pastor Phillip Lucas and Pastor David Bolen officiating.

Calling is Monday, April 11, 2011, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the church where there will be an evening service at 7 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to the family.

Arrangements are by Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com