Joe W. Leath, age
80, of Chesterton, IN, passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016, in
Valparaiso, IN.
He was born on
January 21, 1936 in Clinton, KY, to Woodrow and Margaret (Kimbell) Leath.
He is survived by
his daughters, Suzanne Leath (Jeffry) Zimmerman, and Christine Reno, both of
Chesterton; sister, Nell Schlaeger of MN; daughter-in-law, Cathy Leath;
grandchildren, Benjamin Morris (Kaci), Jamie (Ray) Ramirez, Randy (Becky)
Reno, Katie Reno, Joshua Leath, and Ashley (Justin) Ellenberger, and several
great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in
death by his parents; son, John; sisters, Loretta Bartley and Merilan
Simpson; and grandson, Jonathon Leath.
Joe was a veteran
of the U.S. Army and played football while stationed in Germany. He retired
from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Portage, IN. He played
football for Gary Edison High School in the 1950’s. Joe was the kindest,
most caring man. He would have given you the shirt off his back. His
positive outlook rubbed off on everyone he met. A future memorial is
planned.