Joseph William McAtee

Joseph William McAtee obituary, Indianapolis, IN

Joseph William McAtee

Joseph McAtee Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Oakley-Hammond Funeral Home on Feb. 13, 2025.

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Joseph William McAtee was born on April 22nd, 1966, and passed away on February 11th, 2025. Joe was born in Indianapolis, IN to William and Margaret McAtee. Joe graduated from Warren Central High School in 1984. While Joe was in high school and beyond, he worked for Hook's Drug Store and CVS. Joe always felt the need to serve the community to make it a better and safer place for everyone. This passion for bettering the community later led Joe to become a Marion County Sheriff Cadet, a Reserve Deputy, and finally landing his dream job as a Marion County Sheriff Deputy. Joe later retired from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department after the Sheriff's Department and Indianapolis Police Department merged. These roles serving the community took place over a span of 37 years.
His deep care for people and the community did not stop post-retirement; he lived at Magnolia Springs Assisted Living Facility where he quickly became a leader and friend to many. His ability to connect and show off his big heart was on full display during his final years on this earth.
Joe is survived by his brothers, Wayne (Diana) Thompson and Kenny (Jenni) McAtee. His nieces, Kathy Fromm, Angela (Anthony) Montani, Kendall (Alex) Krizman, and Kortney (Kevin) Wagner. His nephews Joe (Renee) Thompson, Fred (Carrie) Thompson, and Kyle (Nicole) McAtee. He was also survived by many other wonderful great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2-5 pm at Oakley-Hammond Funeral Home, 5342 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis,IN 46219. Additional visitation will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 from 11 am until the service at 1 pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery.

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February 22, 2025

Jackie Mithchell posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2025

Liam posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2025

Mahaley Miller posted to the memorial.

Jackie Mithchell

February 22, 2025

I met Joe when he moved into Magnolia Springs. I can not say what a pleasure it was to know Joe. You couldn't find a kinder gentleman than him. His smile would light up a room and his calm demeanor was welcomed. I liked motorcycles my whole life so we would talk about his time as a motorcycle officer and that was a big part of his life. I will miss so much but he will be one that I never forget. His friendship meant the world to me. Jackie

Liam

February 20, 2025

I didn´t know him but he was my dads uncle and my dad told me a story were he got to drive his cop car, if I ever got to meet him I would probably be super happy man I wish I meet him though.

Mahaley Miller

February 19, 2025

I met Joey at Magnolia Springs. I was one of his many servers that adored him! He was very kind and sweet to everyone he came across. We didn´t know it at first but Joey and I had a mutual friend! We both know Brian Wolfe and of Sean Atkins! They both use to come into my former job! We thought that was neat! I will surely miss Joe. He gave the best hugs <3

Bryan Wolfe

February 16, 2025

I met Joey in the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1999 as a fellow member of ILEA Class 99-137. Joey was dedicated to law enforcement service whether it was while wearing a brown uniform or a blue uniform. As time went on my relationship with Joey grew stronger. Eventually, he joined a group of us in 2014 on a cruise (photo in suits below) which was one of the funnest vacations I have ever had. When we couldn't find Joey we could just wander down to the casino where we would find him inserting bills into the machine for a chance to knock down a stack of hundreds. Joey was obsessed with this machine and I'm certain he paid for every prize inside twice. As I reflect on memories of Joey, I realize that he always had a smile on his face. It did not matter if he had just finished arresting a resistor, arguing with someone who he had ticketed and towed, or just won something significant in the casino, Joey always had a smile to share with everyone. It was part of who he was. Joey would help you with absolutely anything. DJ'ing a party, moving, it did not matter what the activity was, if you asked Joey if he wanted to come along the answer was always yes. As I reflect on all of these memories, there was one common theme which is apparent. No matter where Joey was, no matter what Joey was doing, no matter who Joey was with: Joey just wanted to be loved, and Joey loved everyone. Whether you were a co-worker, the worker behind the counter, or someone he just met for the first time, Joey would smile, talk, and before he left you would also have a smile on your face and feel like that guy just great. That's what love is. Sharing a bond with another. That was Joey. We all love you Joey. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.

Dana McAtee

February 14, 2025

I was fortunate enough to have met Joe when he moved to Magnolia Springs and became next door neighbors with my mom. How funny it was when we realized that 2 McAtee's were living next door to one another! He was such a good friend to my mom and I appreciate more than words can express his care and love for her. She (we) loved Joe and will forever have a void in our lives where he once was. He was the kindest soul I believe I've ever met and anyone who had the honor of knowing Joe, is a better person because of him. Rest in Heaven "Magic Man." We will miss you.

Scottie DeArmond

February 14, 2025

Such fun hanging out at the firehouse in the old Eagle Creek days. The fun and practical jokes never stopped. You were a great friend and will be missed greatly.

Stacy Hanks

February 13, 2025

Joe, you were always a joy to work details with!!! May you RIP
Stacy Hanks

Connie Mason Etter

February 13, 2025

The world has certainly lost a wonderful human! We met when we were Reserves on County. Such a kind soul and a hard worker! I learned so much from him. I think one of the funniest things --- If he was pumping gas and got a signal 10 call he would get so excited he would drive off and "forget to hang up the pump". Of course, he would get in trouble. I haven't seen that smile in years but I'm sure you are smiling In heaven! RIP friend!

Ron Padgett

February 13, 2025

Wherever i was working in the Sheriff's Garage, Under a car ,Part's room, When Joe came in he always found me to ask how i was doing. I made lot's of Friends at the Dept Joe was one of them.

Angie Garard

February 13, 2025

Met Joey many years ago when he was starting his LE career. What a truly great man. Too many laughs and great times to count, and always one of the first to be there during harder times. The most amazing, dry sense of humor, and such a quick wit. He was a true servant leader. He loved his family more than anything - especially nieces and nephews! Peace and light to his family.

Kevin Donohue

February 13, 2025

One of the nicest people anyone could ever become friends with and I consider him a friend. My memory of Joe is we were on a drill team trip and some how he shaved off an eyebrow. So funny.

Phil Suiters

February 13, 2025

I met Joe when I was a reserve deputy in 1996. He was an Eagle Creek car. Joe from the first day I met him told me if you need anything any help to get you past trading just let him know. He offered to work with me anytime I could come out.
I´ll never forget his kindness and willingness to help a rookie.
We remained friends from that day on.
God bless Joe and his family! He was a true friend

Phil Suiters

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Oakley-Hammond Funeral Home

5342 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219

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Sign Joseph McAtee's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 22, 2025

Jackie Mithchell posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2025

Liam posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2025

Mahaley Miller posted to the memorial.