Joe Howard Metzger, 81, of Rossville passed away on April 5, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born July 23, 1941, in Edna Mills, Indiana to Lloyd and Mary Metzger. They, along with his brother, Richard, and beloved daughter Missi all left this Earth before him.
Joe was a loving husband to Jackie for 60 years; an exemplary father to his children Missi, Mandi (Jeff) Pennington, and Ty (Sara); a kind and generous grandfather to Payne, Paige (Joe) Heeb, Edie, and Jack; and a joyous great-grandfather to Elias. He was a reliable and helpful brother to Richard, Janet, and Karen; and a good friend to those who knew him.
Joe was an avid golfer and shared the game with everyone in his family. He cherished the golf scrambles he played with his daughters and son-in-law. He enjoyed playing Michigan golf courses with his grandson, and he enjoyed traveling with his son on golf adventures around the country.
Joe also loved to travel and went on many vacations with Jackie right up until the end. Although he loved travel, he loved his hometown of Rossville even more. He devoted countless hours to coaching youth basketball and baseball. Unbeknownst to 46 male and female recipients of the Phil Buck Athletic Scholarship from 1983 through 2006, Joe was the sole benefactor. He also impacted lives in the high school by substitute teaching well into his 70s.
To know Joe was to love him. He was the genuine article, and the type of guy you don’t see often anymore. He was honest, hardworking, generous, funny, and exceptionally kind. He was a model for his children and grandchildren on how to be a good parent and spouse.
He loved a good crossword puzzle, cryptoquote, or sudoku, and especially with his loyal buddy Jasper sitting with him on the recliner. He spent every minute of his life loving his family with his whole heart. When he’d lived life to its fullest, and drank all the Budweiser he felt he needed, he decided to rest.
Private family services will be scheduled at a later date. Day & Genda Funeral Home~Bodine Chapel in Rossville is assisting the family. Donations can be made to the Rossville Athletic Department, in lieu of flowers. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.dayandgenda.com or personal condolences can be sent to PO Box 114, Rossville, IN 46065.