Joe E. Beardsley

It is with sadness that we write of the passing of Joe E. Beardsley, who died on June 19, 2025, at the age of 87.  Joe was a loving parent of Mary and Jon, father-in-law to Courtney, and grandfather to Ella and Walter Beardsley.  He was a loyal friend and trusted attorney to many.

Joe was born on March 26, 1938, at the Clinton Hospital in Clinton, Indiana. He was the only child of Dr. Joe Beardsley and Daisy Sanders Beardsley. He grew up in Cayuga, Indiana, and graduated from Cayuga High School in 1956.  Although he excelled academically, Joe was proudest of his speed on the cinder track and playing tailback on Cayuga’s six-man football team.

 Joe graduated from Indiana State University in 1960 and Indiana University School of Law in 1963.  He began practicing law with the Ed Zell law firm in the summer of 1963. In 1967 he was appointed Circuit Court Judge of Vermillion County after the death of Judge Fisher. After completing Judge Fisher’s term of office, Joe continued with his legal practice for the next 50 years. During those years he represented the city of Clinton, Clinton Hospital, Vermillion County Area Plan Commission, Vermillion Rise, South Vermillion Schools, and many other community and county organizations.

 Joe’s family will remember his love of books and good food, his cooking successes and failures, fishing at Uncle Dan’s pond, and his enjoying a Scotch with friends.

 Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00PM at Frist Funeral Home, Clinton, Indiana. Service for the family will be held at the graveside at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers and in honor of Joe’s life, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Beardsley Family Unrestricted Fund at the Vermillion County Community Foundation.  This fund supports meaningful projects that strengthen Vermillion County.  Through December 31, 2025, or while matching funds remain, each gift will be matched with $2 for each $1 donated, thanks to the Lilly Endowment.

Donations may be mailed to:
Vermillion County Community Foundation
Attn: Beardsley Family Unrestricted Fund
P.O. Box 532, Clinton, IN 47842
Or made online at www.wicf-inc.org

 Online condolences may be shared at www.fristfuneralhome.com

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