Joseph D. Archer, 86 of Crawfordsville passed away at home on Saturday, February 2, 2019. He was born December 4, 1932 in Indianapolis to Raymond and Myrle (Cooper) Archer. He graduated from Ben Davis High School and attended Purdue University. Joe served in the US Army in Korea from 1953-54. He retired as a supervisor from Raybestos, and also worked for 20 years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Joe was a charter member of New Hope Christian Church and had dual membership at Heartland Christian Church in Sebring, Florida, He was also a member of the American Legion Post 72. He was an IHSAA Referee for many years and loved sports especially IU Sports. He was a man of great faith and lived his life as a witness for others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

In 1958 he married Carrie N. Chelf, she preceded him in death August of 2006. He then married Sharon Earl in 2008, she survives. He is also survived by his children; Barbara Lee of Lafayette; Brenda Stevens of Punta Gorda, FL; Caren Archer of Crawfordsville; Kevin Archer of Crawfordsville; and Marcus Archer of Indianapolis, as well as 3 loving stepchildren Jim, Pam, and Mike Switzer all of Crawfordsville. He is also survived by a sister, Helen Voelkel of Mooresville, his sister-in-law Juliette Caldwell and family, He had 28 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Funeral services with Military Rites will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, February 6 at New Hope Christian Church with Pastor Darrell Portwood officiating. Interment will be in Indian Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11-2 Wednesday at the church with funeral services following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, New Hope Christian Church, or C.Y. Kim missions through New Hope Christian Church.