Joseph N. Buroker

JOSEPH NEAL BUROKER, 96, of Carrollton, GA, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 2:00 AM on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at The Oaks Assisted Living. He was born on July 12, 1921 in Urbana, Ohio, the son of the late Ernest and Zalia (Neal) Buroker.

Joe married Jean, his lifelong companion, on May 5, 1940 when he was on his first monthly job and they raised three sons; Gary of Indian Lake, Ohio, Tony of Carrollton, Georgia and Ronald whom is deceased. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death was 1 brother and 4 sisters.

Joe was born near Urbana, Ohio in the small village of Eris, about a dozen houses of older people. He soon became popular as the errand boy for everyone due to his aggressive nature and willingness to help. He helped the blacksmith and developed a love for horses. He soon knew everybody in the area and worked any way he could making little money. As he got older, he worked horses to equipment, paper routes, picked fruit, mowed weeds and graduated into an all-around handyman. He started a little venture by buying pregnant gilts that weren't acceptable for meat sale and weaned them. There was a good market for them. When Joe was about to graduate from high school, he took a job by the month taking care of horses. Once out of school it was a full time job. He soon decided to go into factory work for higher wages. He rented a small farm on shares and worked in the factory at night.

Joe and his family moved to Shelby County in 1967 as he had been working at Copeland Corporation for three years and decided to make that a full time job. He worked his way up to the engineering department and then on to purchasing until 1975.

Joe then became the County Dog Warden and a reserve Deputy Sheriff as he started a career in law enforcement. He also became a Deputy Bailiff until knee replacement ended his career.

Joe was a member of Sidney First United Methodist Church for 30 years. He also was a member of Stokes Lodge 305, Scottish Rite in Dayton, Antioch Shrine in Dayton and the Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County.

It was not uncommon for people in Joe's time to work two jobs at the same time to support their family. This continued throughout Joe's life. His pleasant smile and caring nature, that was Joe. He will be remembered in Champaign and Shelby Counties, having spent half of his life in each. His assertive nature as a boy remained with him as was evident by his working career. He continued his work aggression until he was called to his final rest.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home 302 S. Main Ave. Sidney with Rev. Dr. David Chivington officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 10 AM until hour of service. Condolences may be expressed to the Buroker family at the funeral home's website, www.cromesfh.com

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