Joe L. Duenez, 78, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 at home after a short illness.

Born on May 23, 1944 in Reynosa, Mexico, he was the son of Jessie L. and Lilla (Garza) Duenez. Joe proudly served his country in the US Army in the Vietnam War. He also served 32 years on the Plymouth Police Department as an interpreter, Sergeant and past Supervisor retiring in 2003.

Over a piece of pie at Honkers, Joe met this wonderful woman Carol and the rest was history and On October 5, 2012 he married Carol Richards in New Paris, IN.

Joe was known as Jubilant, goofy, fantastic, most wonderful man that you would ever meet. Joe was always giving towards others, finding a way to pay for someone’s breakfast along the way.

He was extremely talented with making crafts as well as painting pictures.

He is survived by his wife Carol of Walkerton; children: Eric Duenez of Plymouth; Krystal Ort of Lakeville; Tom (Cindi) Myers of Millersburg; Joe Myers of Avilla; Ben (Karen) Myers of Garrett; Alicia Hershberger of Ligonier; Rick (Ashley) Hershberger of Goshen; sister Dolores (Eddie) Phillips of Kokomo. 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, foster child David Stevens, sister Lupe Duenez, brother John Duenez.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 10-11 am at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will immediately follow with John Richards officiating.

Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Matthews Cemetery, Matthews, IN with military funeral honors rendered by the US Army.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.