Joe Stoops, 82 of Princeton passed away Saturday, (5 Dec 2015) at his home.

He was born Nov. 27, 1933 in Princeton to Elmer and Bessie (Vandevert) Stoops. 

Joe returned to Princeton in 1975 after retiring from the U.S. Navy with 22 years of service. They spent winter months in Georgia for several years. During his years in service he spend time at Guantanamo Bay, Washington DC, and other military bases, working for the D.E.A. and the Pentagon, as well as, spending time on ships. After retiring from military he worked for Health and Human Services in Vincennes. He and his wife also owned and operated Hawaiian Bliss food trailer, and were seen at many fairs and festivals throughout the area and other states around the country. He attended Bethel Memorial Church and was a member of the V.F.W. 

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Becky, Princeton 2 daughters: Nannette (Carl) Caputo of Dayton, OH, and Janice (Roger) Printy, of Jacksonville, IL; 3 grandchildren, Roger Dale (Sharon ) Printy of Lake Mary, FL, Katrina (Warren) Willison and Joseph Neal (Amy) Curl of Summerville, SC: 4 great grandchildren; sister, Elaine (Steve) Hartley of Princeton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Mary Kay Langmade. 

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday December 9, 2015 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Kevin Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Military graveside services will be conducted by Retired Military Veterans.