Joe Hay

Tell City, Indiana –

Joseph Sweat “Joe” Hay, 63, passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2024, at his home.

He was born on April 16, 1961, a son of Thomas R. and Louise (Sweat) Hay, the fifth of six children.

A 1979 graduate of Tell City High School, Joe began his career as a diesel mechanic with Foertsch Construction, worked at United Minerals for over twenty years and later returned to Foertsch’s until his retirement. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

When asked to describe Joe, with smitten smiles, his daughters, said he was a man of few words, however, they will cherish his wittiness and quotes about life. He made life simple, wore his heart on his sleeve and was a hard worker. Joe would often express how thankful he was for Evan and Colton, saying he couldn’t have hand-picked any two better young men to take care of his daughters, whom he referred to as his biggest blessings. He always appreciated the example they set for his grandkids, who lovingly called him “Papaw Joe”.

Joe enjoyed being on the river, playing euchre, going to the track to watch drag racing, working on vehicles/equipment and riding his motorcycle. Most of all, Joe loved his family and friends and always looked forward to spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his daughters, Casi Jochim (Evan), Mariah Hill and Chelsea Thomas (Colton), Tell City; his grandchildren, Easton and Cam Jochim, Beau and Sage Thomas; siblings, Jane Huber (Paul), Racine, WI, Nancy Noland (Greg), Carmel, Mary Houghland (Charlie) and Rob Hay, both of Tell City and Molly (Bob) Tuggle, Troy and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and nephews, Mark Huber and Jack Tuggle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Tony Hollowell officiating. A private burial will take place in St. Mary Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 PM CDT and Wednesday 8:30-9:30 AM at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church or Perry County Public Library. Condolences may be left for Joe’s family at huberfuneralhome.net