Joseph William “Joe” Day, 72, of Akron, Indiana passed unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at Day Hardware doing what he enjoyed.
Joe was born on Jan. 5, 1952 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Richard E. “Dick” and Julia “Judy” Ann (Bidwell) Day. He grew up in Hammond alongside his sister Pam. His family moved to Akron in 1963 when he was 11 and purchased the hardware store. He helped at the store throughout his childhood after school. Joe enjoyed the change of pace of the Akron area. He was a 1969 graduate of Akron High School. He lived from 1970 to 1977 in Bloomington and St. Louis where he did sound engineering for many bands with his Econoline van. In 1977, he became a full-time employee of Day Hardware, working with his mom and dad.
Joe met Marianne Billman when she came to Akron. He was always a salesman and put on a suit and tie to introduce himself. After he left, Marianne knew he was the man she would marry. They married her July 11, 1987 in Fulton, Indiana. Together they had a son Patrick. He was a huge part of their lives. Patrick was a regular in the hardware working with his family. Joe loved when people would come in with questions and ask for Patrick.
He built his own home on generational family property. Joe loved going to gun and knife shows every year, where he had longtime friends. He also collected trains, fountain pens, and books. Joe enjoyed learning, and sharing what he learned. He was the master of trivia. He memorized all the presidents and vice presidents. He knew Pi to 100 places. His aunt Betty joked “he remembered when he was in the womb.” Joe was knowledgeable about Akron history and researched his family genealogy. He also enjoyed airstream vacations and riding his motorcycle. He made several trips to the NASCAR race in Talladega with numerous friends. He loved cooking and smoking meat, and liked to share recipes and talk about it. Over the years he also read to Akron Elementary School students.
Besides the hardware for 47 years, Joe served his community on the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department since 1977, and had been chief of the department for several of those years. He was extremely proud of his years with the department and the men he served beside. Joe was instrumental in the purchase of trucks and equipment. The hardware was a 50 plus year member of “Do It Best”. He was also a member of the Akron United Methodist Church and Akron Chamber of Commerce, formerly of the Township Advisory Board and Akron Town Hall Building Corporation, and at one time managed the trailer park for his grandpa Bidwell.
Joe was very proud to live in Akron.
He is survived by his wife Marianne Day of Akron; sister Pam Vandermark of Akron; nieces and nephews include Leann and husband John Carr of Akron, David and wife Angela Madeford of Akron, Scott and wife Tiffany Cooksey, Akron, Kevin and wife Carrie Cooksey of Silver Lake; several great and great great nephews and nieces; cousins; and step brothers David and wife Caren Delp and John and wife Jennifer Delp.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, son Patrick Day (Nov. 13, 2006), brother-in-laws Joey Madeford and Jim Vandermark, and stepmother Georgia Ann Day.
The funeral service will take place at 10:30 am, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana with Pastor David Eaton officiating.
The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana.
Visitation hours will be held from 2 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana. A fireman’s service will conclude the visitation at 8:00 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department or the Akron Cemetery Association.