Joe did not give up, he fought till the end, but the cancer was much bigger than him and so much stronger. It would be wrong to say Joe died peacefully. He did not want cancer to take his life, he did not want his life to end and leave his wife, children, sister, grandchildren, friends, and fur-babies.
Joe was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.
Joe is survived by his wife, Valerie Hayes, children: Kelsey Hayes, Nathen Hayes, Mathew (Chelsea) Hayes, stepchildren: Jessica (Chris) Lanning, Sean (Brianna) O’Leary, grandchildren: Parker Hayes, Katrina Christian, Ethan Lanning, Elise O’Leary, sister, Barbara (Todd) Nelson, Aunt Sis, dear friend and mother of his children, Jennifer Hayes, sister-in-law, Rhonda (Bill) Phipps, brothers-in-law: Stephen Duncan and Gary Duncan, fur-babies: Bud, Rex, Dusty, Toby, several uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, grandparents, uncles, and aunts.
Joe also leaves behind a work family at NTM in Columbus, Indiana. The support from his coworkers meant a great deal to him and he appreciated everyone who reached out to him during his illness.
Joe had an enormous support team. The Indianapolis I.U. Medical Oncology Department team that removed and repaired his arm, the Columbus, IN Cancer Center doctors, nurses, lab technicians, radiation department, medical assistants, the Columbus, IN Physical Therapy team for the rehab of Joe’s arm. And a special thank you to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana for the unwavering love and support during the last few weeks of Joe’s life.
With keeping Joe’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Joe wanted to be cremated, and his ashes will be scattered at the places that hold all his most cherished memories on this Earth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, or quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.