Joseph Mark “Joe” Toler, 61

Joseph Mark “Joe” Toler, aged 61, was given the signature Joe Toler thumbs up and welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, December 20th at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. It all started when Joe was minding his own business and was born to Carlos and Elaine Toler on August 17th, 1964, in Connersville, Indiana.

Ever the rule follower, Joe kept his parents on their toes throughout his childhood by finding trouble any way he could. But his jovial, kind spirit would build foundations of friendships and love that would last a lifetime.

Despite his rebellious streak and questionable choice in fashion, it was love at first sight when 8-year-old Lisa Wilson spotted him for the first time. They would go on to build a wonderful life together, rooted in 40 years of marriage and of Lisa being known by many as “Joe’s wife” or “Nadine” as Joe affectionately called her.

Joe and Lisa went on to create their own family that included two daughters, whom he adored, Lindsay and Holly. Not only was he the world’s best dad to his daughters, but he was incredibly proud to be father-in-law to his two sons-in-law that he loved as his own, Billy and Jeremy.

While Joe deeply loved being a husband and father, his life’s greatest joy lied in being ‘Papa’ to Rylie, Nick, Clayre, Landry and Presley. Joe truly found no greater love than that of his Savior and his family, who will feel the void of his absence until they are reunited with him again in heaven. They fully expect to be greeted at heavens gates with a hearty “FREEBIRD!” and him boasting about how he’s been enjoying an unlimited supply of croutons.

Joe was the one who made everybody feel like a “somebody.” Even though his words of encouragement could sound like “What is this, amateur hour?” his genuinely kind and welcoming nature could soften even the hardest of hearts. He was the one you could count on day or night. If there ever truly lived a “give you the shirt off their back” type of person, Joe Toler was it. He was exceptional in every way.

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Carlos Toler, and his parents’ in-law, Glen and Betty Wilson.

Joe leaves behind his beautiful mother, Elaine Toler, his devoted wife, Lisa Toler, his beloved children Lindsay and Billy Dillon and Holly and Jeremy Griffin, his cherished sister and brother-in-law Karen and Doug Hudson, and his deeply treasured grandchildren: Rylie Griffin, Nick Dillon, Clayre Griffin, Landry Dillon, and Presley Griffin. Joe is also survived by many other beloved family members including Diane and Albert Kramer, Marcia Eggers, many adored nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss Joe’s irreplaceable presence in their lives.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30th from 1 pm to 3 pm, with services to follow directly after at 3 pm at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home located at 1704 Grand Avenue in Connersville, Indiana, where loved ones will join together to celebrate the wonderful life and legacy of Joe. In honor of Joe’s devotion to ‘Raider Nation,’ the family encourages everyone to wear black and silver or Raiders gear.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society.