Joseph S. Gilkey

Joseph S. Gilkey, 88, of Bristol, passed away at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida on July 14, 2014.
He was born on Jan. 13, 1926 in Elkhart to Dwight E. and Esther (Shively) Gilkey. He married Louise Fallow on Dec. 12, 1948. She preceded him in death in 1994. He married Betty Roberts on Dec. 3, 1994 in Elkhart.
She survives along with Joe’s 2 sons: Michael (Kathy) Gilkey of Ft. Wayne, IN. and Steve Gilkey of Elkhart, 3 grandchildren: Kimberly Wall, Lisa Gilkey Schoetzow and John Gilkey, 2 step-daughters: Tonja (Jim) D’Haenens of Granger, IN. and Ty (Doug) Wyant of Cassopolis, MI., 6 step-granddaughters and one step-great-granddaughter and one step-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter Ella Gilkey Schoetzow in February of this year.
Mr. Gilkey was a 1944 graduate of Elkhart High School and attended Indiana University in Bloomington. He served in the US Navy during World War II from 1944 – 1946. He retired from the Elkhart Fire Department after 20 years of service.
A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family members. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.