Joe E. Bliss, 84, of Oblong, IL, passed away on March 29, 2025, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. His passing marked the end of a long and faithful labor—hands that had shaped fields, cradled grandchildren, and quietly held the weight of generations finally laid to rest.
From the very beginning, Joe’s hands told his story. Born on March 24, 1941, in Robinson, he came of age on a farm where cows were milked before dawn and chickens scattered at the sound of boots on the dirt. The house had no electricity, no bathroom—just hard work, hand tools, and heart. Even as a boy, Joe’s hands were his answer to the world.
He went to Dogwood School and later graduated from Oblong High School in 1959, a proud member of 4-H and FFA. He earned the DeKalb Award, but also earned a reputation for mischief, especially when partnered with his buddy Lewis Edward Henry. Together, they built cabinets that still stand in his daughter’s home and collected more stories than scars—though a broken femur from a tractor race gone wrong would tell its own tale!
He met Evelyn “Evie” Newcomb at Dogwood Prairie United Methodist Church. She was the preacher’s daughter; he was the senior who stole her heart. They married when she was just seventeen, and a few years later, Joe bought the 220-acre farm across the road from his uncle. Evie nearly cried when she saw the old house in its rough condition. But Joe, never one to flinch at a challenge, got to work. He remodeled every corner with his own hands and gave her a home that grew, year by year, into something his family now considers sacred.
Their daughter Michelle was born in 1969, and she quickly became his little shadow. If Joe was fixing something, Michelle was watching. If he was going into town to pick up feed, she was riding along. She was his Fern from Charlotte’s Web, always tender-hearted, always by his side. He taught her how to care for animals, but more importantly, how to use her own two hands to build a meaningful life.
Joe was the very definition of a farmer—steady, rooted, and wholly devoted to the land. He raised corn and soybeans, tended Hereford cattle and thousands of hogs, and knew the rhythm of the land like a second language. He could coax life from the soil and strength from the body. His farm saw more than its share of stories—an accidental hog casualty from a dropped pitchfork, a pit fall that nearly took him down, and more early mornings and late nights than could ever be counted.
He gave back to the community the same way he gave to the land—with quiet commitment and steady hands. Joe served as a 4-H leader for many years, taking pride in helping the next generation of farm kids grow in both skill and character. He also served on the Crawford County Board for over 30 years—often as its chairman. In that role, he played a vital part in building the jail, restoring the courthouse after the fire, and establishing the Crawford County Forest Preserve. He also played a key role in the creation of the Crawford County Health Department and served faithfully on its Board of Directors for many years.
In his later years, Joe’s shop became his sanctuary. He filled it with every screw, nail, and bolt he might someday need (and a hundred he never did). With quiet joy, he carved birdhouses, angels, cabinets—even the bedframe his daughter still sleeps in—while Evie lovingly brought them to life with a paintbrush. Their hands just didn’t know how to be idle!
Joe and Evie were faithful members of the Oblong First Christian Church. And yes—Joe wore his hat to church, just like he did everywhere else. It was part of him, like his soft-spoken strength and his deep love for his family and community.
A man of life’s simple pleasures, he loved attending farm shows, seafood nights at the Elks with Lewis Edward, and fried chicken from Richard’s Farm—heaven on a plate, in his opinion. Coffee and breakfast with Johnny after chores became a beloved tradition, as did family CB radio handles like “Trojan,” “Corny,” and “Sunshine.” He found joy in hunting mushrooms after spring rains and spent quiet moments on the porch, watching hummingbirds dart and hover around the feeders he faithfully kept full.
His last days were just as full: A Sunday meal; his birthday celebration; and, on his last Friday, a quiet triumph: Joe lifted a coffee cup with frail hands and fierce determination. That simple act said it all. Even when strength failed, his will never did. Now, his work is done—but what he built lives on. The fences he mended, the laughter he sparked, the cabinets still standing, the lessons passed down—they all bear witness to a life well-lived. He didn’t need to make a name for himself; he made a life for the people he loved. And that, Joe would say, was more than enough.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evie; by his daughter & son-in-law, Michelle & Johnny Neeley; by his grandsons, Sheldon Neeley and Keaton and his wife, Dani Neeley; by his great-grandchildren, Ren, Zayden, Kase, Grayson, and Fayelynn Neeley; by his brother & sister-in-law, Marion & Marsha Bliss; by his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Carol & Bill Gosnell; and by his brother-in-law, Wendell Newcomb. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as his special friend, Robbie & Theresa Nethery. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson & Mildred (Lackey) Bliss; and by his sisters, Beverley Goff and Judy Gullett.
A time of visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th, at the Oblong First Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7th, at the church, with Pastor Dee Wolfe officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share memories of Joe—a man who built a life not just with what he had, but with all he gave.
Burial will be in the Oblong Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the “Crawford County 4-H Foundation” or the “Oblong First Christian Church”, with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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