1927-2014
Joe Stephen started his career as an illustrator. He was a talented artist and created his designs by hand prior to computers. He created his billboard company in Muncie, Indiana. Most of his hundreds of faces were Junior Poster in size and were found in Northern Indiana. The Bulletins were hand-painted while the Junior Posters were had paper copy that was glued to the faces. Many of Joe's billboards promoted Bunny Bread or Star Bank. Joe Stephen sold NASA to Eagle Outdoor Sign Co, Inc. in 1989.
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Muncie - Joseph G. Stephen 86, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2014 at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
He was born in Glenwood on December 8, 1927, the son of David G. and Helen (Freeland) Stephen, graduated from Washington High School in Indianapolis and John Herron Art Institute. He later served his country in The United States Army during World War II and the Korean War, stationed in Germany.
He was a self-employed commercial artist in Muncie for many years. In 1966 he married Sharon Bickel.
Joseph was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Junto, Muncie Exchange Club, Elks Lodge #245, Delaware Country Club and the American Legion. He also served as past president for Muncie Advertising Club.
He enjoyed being with his sons and their families and his granddaughters always brought a smile to his face. He also enjoyed painting beautiful watercolor and oil paintings, golf, traveling and more importantly his church. In addition, he enjoyed golfing with his friends (The Geezers) on Thursday.
Survivors include his wife of forty-eight years, Sharon (Bickel) Stephen; two sons, Brad Stephen (wife, Linda Adams Stephen) of Alpharetta, Georgia and Stan Stephen of Carmel; his granddaughters, Madeline and Anna Stephen; two step-brothers, Ty Judkins (wife, Lynn) and Ray Judkins; a step-sister, Jay Dee Hopper; his aunts, Iva Jean Keal and Catherine Schipper; cousins, Richard (Dick) Amick, William (Bill) Amick, Don Stephen and James Stephen.
He was preceded in death by his parents;
Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. JD Goerlett officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery.
https://www.meeksmortuary.com/obituaries/Joseph-Stephen?obId=25348138#/celebrationWall
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