Joe E. Dunbar, 93, of Lafayette, IN, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024, surrounded by his family at St. Anthony’s in Lafayette. He was born on January 23, 1931, in Perry township, near Lafayette, IN.

Joe grew up the youngest of 7 children on a family farm near Monitor, IN, graduating from Monitor High School in 1949.  He then attended Purdue University before serving in the US Army from 1956 to 1957.  Following his return from service, he returned to Purdue University, obtaining his BS in Agriculture in 1957.

Following graduation, Joe returned home to pursue a career in farming. He farmed with his father in Tippecanoe County and later also in White County, raising corn, soybeans, hay, cattle and later popcorn exclusively for Orville Redenbacher’s until his retirement from farming in 2005. Additionally, he received an Associate’s degree from Ivy Tech in HVAC Technology in 1982.

Joe also worked off the farm for many years, first working on the construction of I-65 starting in the mid 60’s through its completion.  He later worked in maintenance at Beau Jardin Apartments from 1979 to 1983, followed by a career at Purdue University, starting as a maintenance lead at Fowler Courts residence hall and retiring as a Facility Maintenance Manager at Hillenbrand Hall in 1999.

In addition to his many other occupations, he owned and operated Dunbar Heating and Cooling from 1982 through the late-2000’s.

He was a member at Badger Grove Community Baptist Church in Brookston, IN, serving several roles during his tenure including deacon.

Joe was a 10-year 4-H member in Tippecanoe County and served as the county president and state district officer in Rural Youth.  Later on, he served as a 4-H leader in White County.  While participating in Rural Youth, he met his future wife of 66 years, Tinie A. Ubbinga, of Remington, IN.

After their marriage on September 8^th, 1957, he and Tinie moved to a farm in Brookston, IN, where they lived and farmed until their retirement in 2005.  While living there, they raised 5 children.  Joe was elected to the Tri County school board in 1969 following it’s consolidation, serving as a member, and later on as President through 1979.  During his leadership, he was heavily involved with the design and construction of the new Tri County Middle-Senior High School, in Wolcott, IN.

While serving on the Tri County school board, he also served as a member of the Indiana State School Board in several roles, advocating for increased standards in school bus safety.

In later years, Joe and Tinie split their time between Indiana and Florida, ultimately perfecting their crop rotation between, in Joe’s words, “corn, beans, and Florida”.  While in Florida, he served as a member and eventually president of their HOA.

He was a strong supporter of his children’s activities, ensuring that each of his children completed 10 years of 4-H, after which all 5 children also completed post-secondary education.  Joe loved attending sporting events of all kinds, supporting his children (one of which played multiple collegiate sports), grandchildren (one of which played collegiate volleyball), great-grandchildren, and also Purdue football and women’s basketball programs.  He and his wife were lifetime members of the John Purdue Club.

He was a member of the Freemasons (Dayton, IN chapter) since 1949.

His greatest joys besides family activities included attending weekly auctions, farm sales and antique farm power shows; playing cards and games with family and friends; tinkering with & repairing any and all things mechanical.

Joe is survived by his wife, Tinie. He is also survived by his daughters Evelyn Leader, Pamela Crowell (David), sons Bryan Dunbar (Susan), Marvin Dunbar (Dawn); grandchildren Katrina, Kyle, Brandon, Janelle, Jared, Justinie, Michael, Nicole, Gavin, and Anna Grace; 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren on the way.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Howard O. and Kelta (Bazler) Dunbar, as well as his brothers Albert, Marshall, Howard (Doc), and John, and sisters Jane Packard and Mary Lou Curtis, daughter Denise Dunbar, and son-in-law Robert (Bob) G. Leader.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd.  Masonic service will be at 7:30 pm on Thursday.  Service will be at 2:00 pm on Friday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel.  Interment will be at Concord Cemetery in Lafayette.  Memorial contributions may be made to White County 4-H, Tippecanoe County 4-H or Tri County Education Foundation in Joe’s memory.