Joseph Edward "Joe" Armstrong

Joseph Edward Armstrong, 85, of Battle Creek died at Heartland Health Care Center on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

Joe was born April 14, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Joseph F. and Elia Etheldra (Steele) Armstrong. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1950 graduate of Lakeview High School. In 1948 and in high school, Joe began working for Sullivan Dairy in their Dairy Stores. Joe honorably served his country in the U.S. Army 1952-1954 and was honorably discharged in 1958. Joe returned to Battle Creek and Sullivan Milk products. Joe's career progressed with Sullivan's and he served as assistant manager of the retail store management and advertising at Sullivan Milk Products Co. that operated a full dairy and had four Ice Cream / Dairy Retail Outlets in the Battle Creek area. Joe left Sullivan's in 1978 and began his employment at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. In addition to his limitless attention to details, willingness to work, genuine and loving care for the families Farley's served, Joe also managed Sentinel Monument Company, until health problems forced his retirement in 2008.

Surviving are a niece, Ann (Steve) Templeton of Birmingham, Michigan and her family, several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; his "Farley" family and many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert A. Armstrong, two sisters-in-law, Margaret J. (Watson) Armstrong and Gayleen "Gadee" Weller; and a niece, Susan N. Dupree.

Joe was a member and officer of the Battle Creek Jaycees, served as publicity chairman of the 1966 Miss Battle Creek Pageant, 1970 president of the Lakeview Businessmen's Association, 1971 chairman of the Board of Calhoun County March of Dimes Drive, 1972 chairman of the Miss Battle Creek Pageant, a chairman of the Calhoun County Branch, National Foundation Executive Board, a member of Lakeview Lions Club and the Cereal City Lions Club. Joe was honest to a fault, trustworthy and loyal. He will be remembered as a concerned citizen of Battle Creek, a man who loved and cared for the needs of others and always loved to have his meals in the local restaurants with his friends and fellow patrons. He enjoyed traveling and loved to talk about his travels, the Battle Creek Community, his friends, community leaders and especially his nieces and their families he so dearly loved.

Friends will be received 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Monday and the hour prior to services on Tuesday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Robert L. Zuhl 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.