Joe R. Pendleton, 77, of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born on August 16, 1947, in Manchester, Tennessee to the late Edward Pendleton and Bessie (Davenport) Pendleton.

Joe was preceded in death by brothers, Jerry Pendleton, his twin brother Jimmy Pendleton, Mike Pendleton, and Carl Edward Pendleton; granddaughter Alyssa Pendleton; and his special friend, Carol Nordstrom. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alice Pendleton; sister, Donna (Bill) Bailey; sister-in-law, Fay Pendleton; children, Mark Pendleton, Rhonda (Aaron) Fish, Mike (Kristen) Holt and Michelle Laurita; grandchildren, Braydon, Evan, Kevin (Grace), Megan (Nathan), Kort, Dyllan (Chloe); great grandchildren, Emma, Noah, Jake, Vanessa, and Millie.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart, IN. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM with Pastor Ed Richie officiating. Joe will be laid to rest in Osolo Township Cemetery immediately following the service.

Joe worked in the RV Manufacturing industry for several years but briefly became an entrepreneur when he owned "Little Joe's Bar" for a few years on Main Street in Elkhart. He was a talented performer and started a popular local band known as "Little Joe and the Country Sounds" where he played rhythm guitar and was the lead singer. Joe's band participated in several band competitions at local VFW's and American Legions. His band was so well loved that they were invited to perform on TV and won a country music competition at the Michiana Grand Ole Opry.

Joe was a very generous man; he loved helping out others whether they were family or complete strangers. He often held benefits to help families pay for their loved one's funeral expenses by holding live concerts and giving all the band's donations to the families in need. Joe's compassion for others stemmed from his faith and trust in the Lord; he was an active member of Elkhart County Community Baptist Church.

He adored his grandchildren more than anything and loved giving them a hard time as he was known to be quite the jokester. Joe loved to be ornery and spend time with his family. In his spare time, he could be found watching old reruns of the Andy Griffith show and relaxing listening to country music with Alice by his side. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing a couple of rounds of golf, softball, and fishing in the Elkhart River on occasion.

Words cannot express how much Joe will be missed. He was an amazing father, husband, grandfather, brother, and friend. His music, talent, and jokes will forever be remembered by the many people he touched throughout his life.