Robert Joseph Tillison Jr.

Milroy, IN SGM Joe Tillison, 53, of Milroy, died Sunday, June 11, 2017, in Franklin County, as a result of a motorcycle accident on US 52. Joe was born in Rushville on June 2, 1964 to Robert Joseph, Sr. and Joyce Lorraine Smith Tillison. He graduated from Connersville High School in 1982 and received a bachelor degree from DeVry University, Chicago, Illinois. As a recent graduate of the Sergeant Major Academy, Joe attained the highest military rank in the U.S. Army. He had served 33 years in the U.S. Army including a tour in Afghanistan. Joe was employed as a communication repairman for the Department of the Army at Fort Harrison, Indianapolis. He was a member of the Metamora #156, F. & A.M., was president of the Widow Sons, Guardian Chapter in Metamora and a member of CrossPointe Biker Church in Connersville. Joe liked to work and considered chopping wood as fun. Joe is survived by his wife, the former Carol Smith whom he married in 2006; his children and their spouses: Ryan Weber and Brandi of Surprise, Arizona; Brandon Weber and Sarah of Phoenix City, Alabama; Rudy Bock and Turner of Kansas; Morgan Macfarlane of Phoenix City, Alabama; his mother: Joyce Stevens of Andersonvile; his grandchildren: Noah, Andrew, Ollie, Brylee, Jayden, Eva and Siegel; his siblings and their spouses: David Tillison and Merisha of Connersville, Terri Taylor and Will of Shelbyville, Jim Stevens and Sarah of Columbus, Ohio; several nieces and nephews. Joe was preced in death by his Father: Robert Joseph Tillison, Sr., brother: Jeffrey Tillison and his step-father: Tom Stevens. Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Chris Lovett officiating. Cremation will follow. Memorial masonic services will be directed by Metamora #156, F. & A.M. prior to the funeral, Friends may visit at the funeral home from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday where memorial contributions may be made to the Riley's Children Hospital. Military honors will conclude the funeral service. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.