Joseph R. Tilbury

Joseph R. Tilbury, 76, of Berne, Indiana passed away Monday evening, August 31, 2020, at Parkview Hospital Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on May 14, 1944 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Herbert Arthur and Agnes (Myer) Tilbury. Joe was united in marriage to Mary Ann Solano-Tilbury on April 10, 1999 in Las Vegas, Nevada and she survives.

He attended The Bridge Community Church in Berne. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #468 in Berne and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #305 in Fort Wayne.

Joe was employed with various companies and locations throughout the Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana area through the IBEW #305 in Fort Wayne. Following his retirement, he and his wife were the owners of the Indiana Joe’s store in Pahrump, Nevada.

Joe enjoyed sharing a drink with friends and family. He also cared for his family and grandchildren, especially Jynsen (JR) and Wrigley (Chicle). In his younger years, he also liked the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. He went to many car shows and casinos over the years…along with Ann. A good cigar was the perfect conclusion to a day.

He is survived by his wife, M. Ann Solano-Tilbury of Berne, Indiana; two sons, James Tilbury of Waterloo, Indiana and Craig Tilbury of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Jacquie (Tilbury) Ladig of Wolf Lake, Indiana; three step-daughters, Sonja (Brian) Thomas and Annie (fiancé, Kevin Hofstetter) Gehrett both of Berne, Indiana and Star (Eddie) Hampton of Convoy, Ohio; step-son, L. Ruben (Crystal) Gehrett of Berne, Indiana; two sisters, Theresa Tilbury and Marlita (Don) Rowdabaugh both of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his service dog, Pistol; and many grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Tilbury; a step-son, George Gehrett Jr.; and a brother, Arthur Tilbury.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2020, at The Bridge Community Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Eric Lehman and Pastor John Wanner officiating.

Family and friends will be received 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2020, at the Bridge Community Church in Berne and one hour prior to services Friday also at church.

Preferred memorials are to the family with checks payable to Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana.