Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Joel Lee McNicholas, 79, Warsaw, died Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.
He was born Nov. 16, 1945, in Miami, Fla., to Betty Poppel McNicholas and Thomas Vincent McNicholas. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 15, 1965, and served until his honorable discharge on Oct. 14, 1968. Joel was stationed in California and served alongside his military brothers in Vietnam. He worked on C130’s as a navigator, flew recon and was one of the fortunate who was able to return home.
He married Carolyn Sue Phillips on Sept. 24, 1971; she survives.
Friends and family may visit prior to Joel’s memorial service from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Home Church, Warsaw. Joel’s life will be celebrated with a service immediately following visitation, starting at 6 p.m. with military rites conducted by active-duty members of the Air Force Honor Guard, and members of the American Legion Post #49 and V.F.W. # 1126, both of Warsaw. His service will be conducted by Pastor John B. Lowe. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
