Joseph “Joe” David Bails

January 10, 1955 – September 24, 2025

       Joseph “Joe” David Bails of Elkhart, IN, passed away in his home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Joe, AKA Josie, JB, Joe Daddy, or Papa Joe, was born January 10, 1955, to William and Phyllis Bails, who preceded Joe in death. Joe is also preceded in death by his eldest brother, Edward Bails. Surviving family includes his daughters, Molly (Shibli) Moosa and Charlene (Josh) Masten; his grandchildren, Haley Masten, Easton Masten, Iyla Moosa, and Zaid Moosa; and his siblings, Jane Lochmandy, William (June) Bails, Tom Bails, and Jim (Kathy) Bails.

A memorial service will follow a one-hour visitation from 4:00 to 5:00 on Friday, October 3, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. The family asks that you support one of Joe’s favorite teams by wearing Cubbies, Bears, Alabama, or IU apparel.

In place of flowers and gifts, consider making donations to Elkhart Education Foundation, PO Box 1005, Elkhart, IN 46516, in the name of Joe Bails. The money will be used toward girls’ athletics.

 

A Poem for Papa Joe, by Haley Masten

The chair sits quietly where he used to cheer,

Remote in hand, a grin from ear to ear.

The Bears were playing – he’d shout at the screen

Coaching the team was a favorite routine.

He wore that threadbare hat with pride.

Win or lose, he was along for the ride.

“Next year’s our year!” he would say with a laugh.

Even when the scoreboard cut hope in half.

He’d crack the best joke and we’d giggle with delight!

A pun shared at the table, a zinger later that night.

Sometimes known to pull out a Budweiser beer,

Or toast to his teams with a Mtn Dew cheer!

Now Sundays feel strange, the room feels wide.

Our eyes are red from the tears we have cried.

He’s gone from this world, but not from our plays

Still a part of the huddle in so many ways.

Each fall Sunday when kickoff is near

We will smile through tears- he’s still cheering here.