Joel Lee McNicholas

Joel Lee McNicholas of Warsaw, Indiana lost his battle to cancer and spent his remaining hours on this Earth being surrounded and loved on by his family at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne. He entered into Heaven on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 79, and was rejoicefully greeted by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
He was born on November 16, 1945, in Miami, Florida to Betty (Poppel) McNicholas and Thomas Vincent McNicholas. Joel was a 1964 graduate of Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida. After High School he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on February 15, 1965, and proudly served until his honorable discharge on October 14, 1968. Joel was stationed in California and served alongside his military brothers in Vietnam. He worked on C130's as a navigator, flew recon, and was one of the fortunate who was able to return home.
Joel was blessed to spend his life with Carolyn Sue Phillips. They were married on September 24, 1971, and would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this year. They had lived in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for many years where they raised their kids and ran a woodworking shop, and for the past 30 years they made Warsaw their home. Joel provided for his family as a hard-working and reliable man at Keystone in Goshen, Indiana for 20 years and prior to that, he worked at Fairmont in Nappanee. He enjoyed living on Pike Lake and spending many enjoyable hours going out on the boat. One of his favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle and trike, taking many bike trips and doing charity rides over the years. Spending time with his family and grandchildren was always a priority in his life, from holidays, birthdays, cookouts and school functions. He LOVED playing with his grandchildren and always made himself available to his children and family.
He loved serving his Lord at Home Church in Warsaw for 31 years offering his assistance in many capacities, willing to help anywhere and everywhere he was needed. From being the head usher, to cleaning, overseeing music and children's ministry, and he was a wonderful handy-man always fixing things. Joel also helped in building the gym and other parts of the church facility and the names of his grandkid's can still be found on the rafters in the gym. Joel had a heart for serving others and loved taking care of people and caring for the building that held a special place in his heart.
Joel was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn Sue McNicholas (Warsaw, IN); son, Todd Alan McNicholas (Tampa, FL); and two daughters, Kimberly (Michael) McNicholas-Nauman and Cristina (Andy) Suarez (both of Tampa, FL). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Christopher (Ashlie) LaRue (Pierceton, IN); Joshua (Renee) LaRue (Bourbon, IN); Brandon (Lindsay) Bergman (Columbia City, IN); Christopher, Shane and Tommy McNicholas; Austin Nauman; and Logan (Aaron) Cappadoro (all of Tampa, FL). As well as fourteen great-grandchildren with two more on the way, and his brother, Dennis McNicholas. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Roni Michelle Mikesell, brother, Terry McNicholas and his sister, Patricia Smith.
Friends and family may visit prior to Joel's memorial service from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Home Church, 744 S 325 E, Warsaw, Indiana. Joel's life will be celebrated with a service immediately following visitation, starting at 6:00 p.m. with military rites conducted by active-duty members of the Air Force Honor Guard, and members of the American Legion Post #49 and V.F.W. # 1126, both of Warsaw. His service will be conducted by Pastor John B. Lowe. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.
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