Joseph Edgar Newby

Having spent the last few months fighting cancer, Joseph Edgar Newby, 76, left this world on Oct 6th to go meet his maker and perhaps explore the rest of the universe. Although nothing appears to have moved since his passing, he'll probably take along a few pictures of family on the trip, his mismatched set of left handed golf clubs and understandably, all his fishing equipment -- after all, who knows what he'll need.

Born on June 27, 1942 to Lawrence and Dorothy Newby, Joe was a proud graduate of Carmel High School in the class of 1960 - one of 85 students. He then attended and graduated from Indiana University. Joe was fortunate to meet, court and eventually marry his devoted wife, Kitty Newby on June 3rd, 1967. Together they created a home on the northside of Indianapolis and raised 3 children, 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Having started out employed in education, he transitioned to the business world with a gentle nudge from his wife and an introduction given from his mom. His dream of being a high school basketball coach had given way to the needs of a family man. During those years at AT&T, his official title stayed within the marketing and sales departments. After the baby Bells broke apart, he worked occasionally to occupy his early retirement. Although he enjoyed and excelled at work, his life was elsewhere.

Nothing pleased him more than being with family and friends. His years of playing softball and pickup basketball were intertwined with family trips. The family van was outfitted with the latest 8 track cassette player and shag curtains and could be spotted crisscrossing the US during summer trips and driving to and from Florida for Spring Break fun. He volunteered with First Baptist Athletics, golf tournaments, the Palladium and the mini-Marathon.

Joe excelled at cooking down fresh Swiss chard with bacon and onions, enjoying books of any genre, jump shots from beyond the 3 point line --at a time when everyone agreed it was still only worth 2 points, eating a little of each dish at every pitch in, making his eyes sparkle at will, draining putts from halfway across the county, and driving hours to find the perfect fishing hole.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Simon Cancer Center, Dr. Patrick Loehrer and St Vincent Hospice.

Visitation is being held at First Baptist Church (located at the corner of 86th and College) on Friday, October 12th between 10am and 12, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life and Faith at noon.

Instead of flowers in remembrance of Joe, the family asks that everyone to do an unsolicited, spontaneous act of kindness to lighten someone's day. It's something Joe would do without thinking -- often while telling them a joke meant to lighten up the day.