Joseph Edward DeHart

Joseph Edward “Joe” DeHart age 89, of Trafalgar, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday evening, December 30, 2024, at his home.

Joe was born on November 18, 1935, in Clark Township to the late Herman George and Mary Teresa (Gallagher) DeHart. After graduating from Trafalgar High School in 1954, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Indiana Central in 1960 and later obtained a Master's in Education Administration from Indiana University in 1967.

Joe began his 29-year career in education in 1960 as a teacher, coach and mentor, ultimately retiring as Principal of Indian Creek Middle School in 1989. He continued to contribute to education as the Assistant Principal at Clark Pleasant Middle School after his retirement. In addition to his dedication to education, Joe was a lifelong farmer, owning and operating DeHart Farms in Trafalgar for over 70 years, where he raised livestock and crops.

A devout Christian, Joe was a member of the Greenwood Bible Baptist Church, where he served the Lord faithfully. He actively participated in the church’s Community Corrections Jail Ministry. Joe was also a member of the Johnson County Retired Teachers Association and the Franklin VFW. He served as a County Councilman and County Commissioner for Johnson County and was involved with the Indiana Farm Bureau, as well as several other local boards and committees.

Joe cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to support them at their academic and sporting events. He will be remembered for his deep love of children, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to his community.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Nancy K. (Stout) DeHart, whom he married on April 7, 1962, in Franklin. He is also survived by his sons, Scott (wife, Delanie) DeHart and Troy (wife, Beth) DeHart, both of Trafalgar; brothers, John DeHart of Franklin and Herman (wife, Diane) DeHart of Texas; grandchildren, Sara (husband, Justin) Kieffer of Greenwood, Jared DeHart of Trafalgar, Luke (wife, Mary) DeHart of Trafalgar, Emma DeHart of Denver, CO, and Lily DeHart of Trafalgar; great-grandson, Griffin Kieffer of Greenwood; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by siblings, Deloris DeHart, George DeHart, Don DeHart, Rosemary Sanders and Russell DeHart.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8th from 3 - 8 p.m. at Meredith – Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry St. in Morgantown. Pastor Todd Poynter will conduct a funeral service on Thursday, January 9th at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Bible Baptist Church, 1461 Sheek Road in Greenwood, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. The committal service will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens (Ben Franklin Mausoleum Chapel) in Greenwood, with Military Rites presented by the United States Navy and the Franklin Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joe to the “Missionary Fund” of the Greenwood Bible Baptist Church, 1461 Sheek Road, Greenwood, IN 46143.

Expressions of sympathy and kindness can be made online to the DeHart family at meredith-clark.com.

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