Mr. Joseph “Joe” Lee Hildreth, 44, of Seymour passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, June 24, 2018. He was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana on September 26, 1973. He was the son of Jack and Jean (Peterson) Hildreth.

Joe attended Immanuel Lutheran School and was a 1992 graduate of Seymour High School. After high school, he attended Indiana University Bloomington. He then returned to Seymour to work for his father at the family business, Hildreth’s Liquor Mart. When his father retired in 2009, Joe followed in the footsteps of his dad, his dad’s dad and his dad’s dad’s dad continuing the family tradition as the 4th generation general manager of the store. Known as “Friendly Joe,” he shared his quick wit with loyal customers and employees for 23 years.

On December 9, 1973, Joe was baptized into Christ at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and at the age of 13 confirmed in faith at Zion Lutheran Church. On June 23, 2001 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Joe married the love of his life, Jennifer Galbraith. He was a proud husband and father of two children, Abby and Luke Hildreth.

Joe was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving as past president, elder, head usher, and chairman for many boards. He served on the Seymour Chamber of Commerce, Indiana State Liquor Board, Camp Lakeview Ministries Board, and Trinity Lutheran High School Auction Board.

Joe adored his children and enjoyed participating in all their loved activities, including choir and band concerts, dance and piano recitals, school and community plays, and cross country, cheerleading, soccer, baseball, and basketball events. He formed and coached the Seymour Storm baseball team, where his gentle nature had a lasting impact on the kids he coached and where lifelong friendships were made. He was also a founding board member of the South Central Indiana Running Club, supporting not only his wife and children’s participation, but all runners from the community.

Joe loved cooking. He was known for hosting bonfires, fish fries, crab boils and cooking in themes. He was a master craftsman as he loved making improvements around his home, especially with Luke by his side. As a younger man he liked to hunt, fish, and camp with childhood friends and continued sharing his love of nature with his children. He especially loved taking his family on vacations to Door County, Wisconsin. Joe was known for his kindness, friendship, and selfless acts. He was adored by everyone that knew him. He will be missed greatly and remembered for his gentle, humble and forgiving nature.

Joe is survived by his mother, Jean; wife, Jennifer; children, Abigail Renee and Luke Joseph; brothers, Mike Hildreth and Sean (Sara) Hildreth; nieces, Kayla and Emily Hildreth; nephews, Brady, Jonas, and Jude Hildreth; in-laws, Larry and Cindy Galbraith; sister-in-law, Erin Hall, and niece Jenna Hall; uncle, Chuck Hildreth and aunts, Kelly Hildreth and Diane Schleicher as well as many cousins whom he adored.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Hildreth; sister, Renee Hildreth; uncle, Arnie Schleicher and both sets of grandparents.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Voss & Sons Funeral Service and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Currao and Pastor Barlau officiating.

Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Memorials may be designated to Redeemer Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran High School.

Online condolences may be given on the funeral home website at www.vossfuneralservice.com

Now here’s a toast from Joe…

“May you always have a smile on your face and a spring in your step. May good fortune be yours and may your joys never end. To a happy life.”

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