Joseph H. Leisure

Joseph H. Leisure entered his heavenly home on November 3, 2023. Joe was born November 21, 1942. He was the son of Harry C. and Esther Geise Leisure. The family lived in Ripley Township, and Joe attended Carthage Elementary until fifth grade when the family moved to Center Township in 1955. Joe then attended Mays Elementary where he met his wife, Rita Rider. They both graduated from Mays High School in 1961 and were married on November 26, 1961, at the Raleigh Christian Church. They enjoyed married life together for 61 years. They are the parents of Jeffrey C. (Teresa) Leisure of Carthage, IN; Sherry (Randy) Jarvis of Portage, MI; and J. Dean (Julie) Leisure of Arlington, IN. Joe and Rita were blessed with six grandchildren: Quinn Leisure, Shelby Jarvis, Alex Jarvis, Brett Leisure, Brooke Leisure, and the late Marcus Bostic who preceded him in death. Joe is also survived by his sister, Jane (Robert) Hallgarth, and several nieces and nephews. His parents and brother, John, preceded him in death. Joe loved being outside, was a lifelong farmer, and trained his sons to farm and love the land as he did. He enjoyed planting each spring and made sure his rows were straight. When he was in school, he would plow all night but still made it to school the next day. Joe enjoyed collecting toy tractors and loved to travel. He and Rita traveled throughout the United States with their family and then later in life with good friends Bill and Judy Muir. Joe was fortunate to take a trip to Germany with Claas Combines. Joe loved having a dog by his side and will be missed by his current beloved rat terrier, Molly. He loved to spoil his dogs and take them for rides in his trucks and farm equipment. Joe was active in the Farm Bureau Co-op. He served on the board and served as the president for several years. Joe was also a 50-year member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge #580 and of the Lewisville Masonic Lodge #72. Joe was a member of Little Blue River Church of Christ and Southside Church of Christ where he served as an elder. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Moster Mortuary, 334 N. Main Street in Rushville, IN. The funeral will take place at 10 AM Wednesday, November 8, 2023 in the mortuary. Burial will be in the Raleigh Zion Cemetery following services on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Southside Church of Christ, the Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.

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Joseph H. Leisure

November 21, 1942 - November 3, 2023