WILKINSON
Joseph “Joe” K. Crist, age 75, of Wilkinson, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022 at IU Methodist Hospital. Born on February 23, 1947, in New Castle, he was the son of Pauline M. (Bussell) and Charles O. Crist. He graduated from Hancock Central High School in 1965. Joe served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He married Judy (Wulf) on June 25, 1967 at Beal Air Force Base in California.
Before retiring in 2003, he worked at the Kroger Bakery Plant for over 33 years. Joe was a member of Greenfield Kiwanis, Eden Masonic Lodge #477, VFW Post #2693 and Knightstown American Legion #152. He was also a lifelong member at Willow Branch United Methodist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed being being outdoors – golfing, fishing, and his favorite target shooting. Joe was a very charitable man and would go to great lengths to help those in need. Above everything, he cherished and loved his family and friends with everything he had in him.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Crist; son, Mike Crist; and daughter, Joann Shepherd; grandchildren, Sam Shepherd all of Wilkinson and Keith Shepherd (Katie) of Arkansas; and cousins, Jane and Frank Kaccamo of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Charles; and son-in-law, Russ Shepherd.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary &Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held at Willow Branch United Methodist Church, 6244 N. Thomas St., Willow Branch, IN 46186 on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Glen Davis will be officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mendon Cemetery in Pendleton, IN. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary &Crematory in Greenfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to Willow Branch UMC, 6244 N. Thomas St., Willow Branch, IN 46186, or envelopes will be available at the church. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
