Paul "Joe" Canter

Paul “Joe” Canter Jr., age 69 of Elkhart, IN, went to be with the Lord at 7 am on Thursday morning, July 10, 2025 at his residence after a 3-year battle with cancer.  Joe was born on April 15, 1956 in Mansfield, OH to Paul Sr. and Etta Mae (Baker) Canter. The Canter family moved to Portage, MI when he was young and Joe was a 1974 Portage Central High School graduate. On April 7, 1979, Joe married the love of his life, Melissa Johnson, in Elkhart, IN.  Joe and Melissa moved to Elkhart in 1981 from Portage, MI.  They moved to Nappanee, IN in 1987 and then back to Elkhart in 2012.  Joe worked as a machinist and then retired as a driver for the RV Industry, having worked at Penske Trucking.  Joe was a member of the Millersburg Church of Christ where he volunteered and served with the congregation in many ways over the years. Joe enjoyed fishing with his friends and family. He enjoyed playing games of leisure; he enjoyed bowling, cornhole, and horseshoes.  After retirement he took up the game of golf and loved the game and the time he was able to spend on the golf course.  He also enjoyed playing cards.  Joe was always a jokester and never met a stranger; he enjoyed interacting with all types of people throughout his life.  Most of all, Joe loved his Lord and spending time with his family.  He especially loved doting on his grandchildren. Joe is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Melissa Canter of Elkhart, IN; 3 children: Nathan (Dené) Canter of Madison, AL, Drew (Lonie Wiggins) Canter of Nappanee, IN, and Kayla Sporner of Pierceton, IN; 10 grandchildren; and 2 brothers: Bruce (Jeannie) Canter of Brooksville, FL and Brett (Cindy) Canter of Portage, MI.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Josh Sporner; and a grandson Mykale Canter.  A visitation will be held Monday afternoon, July 14, 2025 from 1-5 pm at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, IN.  A memorial service will begin at 5 pm on Monday at the funeral home.  Cremation will take place and burial will be at a later date in Yellow Creek Cemetery, Goshen, IN.  Memorial contributions in Joe’s name can be given to the Millersburg Church of Christ.