Joe Vancel

Joe Vancel, 80

Joe Vancel, 80, of Lafayette, passed away at 7:10 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Creasy Springs. Born October 24, 1933 in Claiborne County, TN, he was the son of the late Rev. Hugh and Artie Leota (Bolton) Vancel.

Joe married Wanda Tinnel on November 5, 1952 in Tazewell, TN, and she preceded him in death on August 5, 2006. He was a quality control supervisor at Rostone for 16 years and then at Rea Magnet Wire for 10 years. Following that he was a funeral director at Reece Funeral Home in Harrogate, TN. Joe was a licensed auctioneer in farm sales and formerly owned an auction barn in Frankfort. He worked at the Rossville Auction Exchange and Elmer's Auction in Lafayette. He was a charter member of the Mulberry Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was very active in the music ministry. He enjoyed gardening.

Surviving are his children, Sandra Patchett (husband, Steve), Janet Grubbs, Gary Vancel (wife, Brenda) and Larry Vancel all of Lafayette, and Ingraham Vancel (wife, Linda) of West Lafayette; a sister, Cornie Belle McCloud of Nashville, TN; eight grandsons, one granddaughter, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel Wade Vancel.

There will be a memorial open house, for friends and family, on Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 412 Teasdale Dr, Lafayette, IN 47909. There will be a graveside memorial service in Tazewell, TN at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Natalie's Second Chance Animal Shelter. Hippensteel Funeral Home is entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.