Joe graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans. He married Gail Diane Evans on January 25, 1969. Joe received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from LSU NO and a master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Joe worked at Dow Chemical from 1970 – 2003.
Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gail and two daughters, Lori and Rebecca; by Samuel and Lori’s two daughters, Serenity and Vitality; by Mark and Rebecca’s children, Pierce, Jaden, Elijah, Havilah, Ezra, Noah, Tirzah, and Naomi; and by Antonica Aleman and Gail Wagner, whom he loved as daughters. Joe is also survived by his nephews, Jerry and Chris Chestnut, and nieces, Cindy Self and Pam Hoffman. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Irene Schell, his sister, Betty Chestnut, and nephew, Keith Chestnut.
Joe loved the Lord and enjoyed ministering to those who were shut-in at home, taking communion to them. He enjoyed fellowship with those at South Baton Rouge Church of Christ.
Joe and Gail enjoyed traveling together, which included several scuba diving trips. Joe also loved fishing, hunting, and the beauty of the outdoors. Joe was an active father, coaching his daughter’s sports teams, cheering from the sidelines of their activities, and telling goofy stories.
Joe’s family will host a memorial service on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The service will be at South Baton Rouge Church of Christ in Baton Rouge.
To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com
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