Joseph Patrick Sponn, 83, passed away in the early morning hours of September 24, 2023. He was born in Washington on March 17, 1940, to Joseph Carl and Bernadine (Grannan) Sponn. On August 13, 1960, he married Karen (Neukam) Sponn and she survives.

A 1958 graduate of Washington Catholic High School, Joe worked as a farmhand for Ralph Keith until he was hired by Superior Steel Ball to be their third shift supervisor; he was the fifth employee they hired. In 1968, he was chosen to help start a new venture and become the superintendent of Lydal Magnetics, a position he held until his injury in 1972. He also ran K&K Trophies in Washington for a number of years.

A man of many interests, Joe started the first Archery Club in Washington in 1962. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Daviess County Right to Life, the Moose Lodge, and the Daviess County Historical Society. Joe was a devout member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.

Those who mourn Joe's passing include his wife of sixty-three years, Karen Sponn; his children: Anna Lea (Scott) Smith of Montgomery; Alicia (David) Cash of Mooresville; and Joe Sponn of Washington. Joe was blessed with six grandchildren: Patrick (Mary) Smith; Sarah (Christopher) Shafer; Whitney (Mack) Lamonte; Shelby Cash; Michelle (Paul) Mosley; and Chad Cash, twelve great-grandchildren: Abigail; Connor; Gabriel; Avery; McKenzi; Caylyn; Madison; Koal; Jude; Fin; Jadyn; and Liam, and one great-great-grandson, Emery James. Joe leaves siblings: Elizabeth (husband Ed is deceased) Clements of Haubstadt; John (Joan) Sponn of Washington; Rick (Karen) Sponn of Washington; Mark Sponn of Loogootee, and special friend and cousin, Bill (wife Judy is deceased) Hirtzel of Peewee Valley, Kentucky.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Carl and Bernadine Sponn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Washington Catholic Education Endowment, INC. at PO Box 916, Washington, Indiana 47501, or to the St. John Cemetery at 315 NE 3rd Street, Washington, Indiana 47501.

Visitation for Joseph Patrick Sponn will be 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Joseph Patrick Sponn at 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023, also at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Father Juan Ramirez will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. John Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com

The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with Joseph Sponn's arrangements.

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