Joseph Edward VanDevender

Joe VanDevender made his final and largely irreverent gesture on October 3, 2022 going out in his way and on his terms. As in life, so in death. In his own words, “Hey man… I’ve had a good life. I have no regrets. I’m content and blessed”. When the doctors told him on his 77^th birthday that he had pancreatic cancer and probably had 3-6 months to live he was not anxious or afraid, but rather pragmatic. He was always the strong one, unencumbered with the emotions of those around him.

Joe was born to Harry and Claire (Henry) VanDevender on August 15, 1945, in Indianapolis, IN. An interesting fact is that this was also V-J Day. We all know this is an interesting fact because he would let us know each year when that special day came around. We think this was the beginning of his deep love for America and his patriotism.

He spent his childhood in a house near the state fairgrounds on Balsam Ave. Occasionally we would drive by the old house when the police deemed it safe. After graduating from Shortridge High School, which he was very proud of and continued to volunteer his time to, Joe attended Indiana University. This did not go well. We’re not sure if he actually went to a class but his first semester grades suggest no. Since that was 1964, and he was a male above the age of 18 and not in college, he was a target for the US government. So, he enlisted in the Air Force. He spent most of his service in Japan and Taiwan as a contract administer assigned to the procurement office. While there he was honored with the Airman of the Year Award. He loved his time overseas and always wanted to go back for a visit but that didn’t happen.

After his service Joe moved to Vancouver, BC. That is where, in 1969, he met the love of his life, Judy, who was hoodwinked into thinking he was a charming individual with a touch of decorum. Boy, was she ever wrong. Joe’s lack of filter between his brain and his mouth, along with bold fashion choices, tested her patience daily. Judy falls under the opposites attract rule. Yada, yada, yada (Joe was a big Seinfeld fan), they were in love and married on June 27, 1970.

Shortly thereafter they moved back to Joe’s hometown and he gave college another try. This time around he carried a 4.0 and graduated cum laude in 1972 with a B.S. in accounting from Indiana University. Deciding to double-down on his new academic success Joe enrolled in law school; continuing his domination and graduating from IUPUI in 1978 as a rare J.D. CPA. During that time Joe and Judy experienced the most magical and wondrous of events as they welcomed their only child, a son, a miracle as some describe him, Jason, into the world on July 25, 1975.

Joe worked for a couple of accounting firms and when the time was right, he broke off on his own and started the CPA firm of VanDevender and Blair, with his partner Jerry, in 1979. Then in 1982 he was one of the founding members of a medical billing company called CIPROMS, which is still in business today. This brilliant move allowed him to quit the tax grind and become a professor of tax law at IU Kokomo where he helped shape the minds and careers of students for several years. This was a truly frightening thought to his family. This man could command a room and was a formidable debater. He often liked to remind his family, “I may not always be right but I’m never wrong”. In fact, we can remember a sign on his office door at the university which read, “I thought I made a mistake once but I was wrong”. After leaving his career in teaching, he and Judy traveled the globe. He also used this time to hone his skills and become a professional napper, an art form he kept perfecting until the end. There wasn’t a couch, chair, car, or church (this is where snoring was an issue) that he didn’t practice on or in.

In 2002 Joe felt a strong calling for public service and reached out to the State of Indiana. A short time later they gladly welcomed him to the team as the Deputy Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Revenue. When he left a few years later that was the official end of his illustrious career. He spent the remainder of his days spending as much time as he could with his small but loving family. He was his happiest and proudest watching his grandchildren do absolutely anything.

He will be deeply missed by his family but also by several local restaurants where he consumed most of his meals. He would not forgive us if we didn’t remind everyone of what a die-hard Yankees fan he was. He had an incredible collection of memorabilia and never missed a chance to remind his son that the Yankees have 27 World Series titles and the Cubs only have 3 and at that rate we wouldn’t catch up until the year 4683. He could have retired much sooner if his mom hadn’t thrown away the dozens of Mickey Mantle rookie cards he had. One of his greatest legacies will be his philanthropic endeavors. He was an extremely generous man who touched many lives. He always gave anonymously because it wasn’t about the recognition, it was about changing lives and helping others.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Coolen) VanDevender, son Jason (Amanda) VanDevender, brother Tom (Barb) VanDevender, and nephews Jeremy (Adrienne) VanDevender and Matt (Kristen) VanDevender. Of all the titles Joe held, his absolute favorite was Grandpa and he relished the time he spent with his grandsons Evan and Cole VanDevender. We know that his greatest accomplishment was passing on all of his stories, knowledge, and insights to his grandsons and they appreciate and cherish that more than anything.

No flowers please. The family is seeking donations to offset the expense of hiring such a magnificent, brilliant writer to weave this tale of a great man’s life, which he would have LOVED. Seriously, what would make Joe the happiest is for you to spend time with each other, share stories and memories about him, and keep him alive in your hearts. Also, go vote! If you feel compelled to honor his memory by giving, donations in Joe’s name are suggested to: Nicaragua Resource Network (NRN), 16162 Carey Rd, Westfield, IN 46074. Do as he did and think of others first and share what you have with those who need it (believe it or not he was a staunch Republican).

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 18th at the Delaware Township Community Center, 9090 E 131^st St, Fishers, IN 46038. There will be visitation starting at 2PM with a short service at 3PM. Immediately following the service, the jubilation festivities will begin and wrap up around 6PM. Appetizers, desserts, drinks, and music will be provided because that helps with a celebration. Joe despised formality and stuffiness and would be really ticked off if you showed up in a suit so dress comfortably. Hawaiian shirts and flowery, bright garments are strongly encouraged. Everybody has a Joe story and we’d love to hear them all. Joe faced his death and his mortality, as he did with his life, head on and with dignity. He has chosen to be cremated and his ashes will be scattered in the places he loved most; keeping some with us so eventually he can spend eternity with Judy.