Joseph E. Wilmes

January 6, 1928 - May 3, 2019

Joseph E. Wilmes, 91 of Ferdinand passed away Friday May 3rd at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville. Joseph was born January 6, 1928 to Joseph H. & Matilda (Nord) Wilmes. He was united in marriage to Grace Matheis on April 24, 1954 in Saint Anthony Catholic Church. Joseph retired from Verizon Phone Company, formerly Contel and from Wilmes Window Manufacturing Co. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of Ferdinand Legion Post 124 and Ferdinand Community Center. Joseph was a member of Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church, and it’s St. Joseph’s Sodality. He was a graduate of Dale High School. He enjoyed playing music at several local nursing homes, and in several bands. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Grace Wilmes, One daughter, Karen (Keith) Jerger of Evansville, Three sons, Glenn (Brenda) Wilmes and Kurt (Marya) Wilmes both of Ferdinand, and Gregg (Kathy) Wilmes of St. Anthony. 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 1 daughter, Peggy Wilmes, grandson, Jason Jerger, 3 sisters, Hilda Oser, Marcella Gogel, & Margaret Fetter. 7 brothers, Urban, Albert, Oscar, Clarence, Hubert, Ersnest, and Dennis Wilmes. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday May 7th in Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Ferdinand Legion post 124 will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may call from 2 to 8PM Monday and from 7 to 9:30 AM Tuesday at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.