Joe Gilles, 70, “The Mayor” of Flat Rock passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at MHP Medical Center in Shelbyville.
He was born September 14, 1948, in Shelbyville, the son of Herman and Leona (Jeffries) Gilles. On September 6, 1975, he married Nola Cobler, and she survives.
In addition to Nola, Joe is survived by his step-son, Dennis Hill and wife, Michele, of Brown County; step-daughter, Sharon Dove and husband, David, of Greenwood; sister, Jean Kelsay of Shelbyville; brothers, Ron Gilles and wife, Donna, of Shelbyville, and Steve Gilles of Greenfield; step-grandchildren, Laura Baker, and Rodney Filler and fiance’, Kim; two step-great-grandchildren; very special friends, Larry and Jolene Coffey of Flat Rock; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nora and Bill Douglas of Shelbyville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Butch Gilles, Tom Gilles, Kenny Gilles and Don Gilles; and two step-grandchildren.
He graduated in 1967 from Waldron High School.
Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam.
He was baptized at St. Vincent Catholic Church.
Joe retired from truck driving in 2016. He began his career driving for Courier Newsom and retired from Atterbury Job Corp, where he drove a bus.
He was a former member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Joe enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He loved his tractors and riding his golf cart to the neighbors.
He also leaves behind his dog, Barbie.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2019 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Mike Bartlett officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the local military committee.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 931 E. 86th St., #208, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.
Online condolences may be shared with Joe’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
