It is with deep sorrow and much love that the friends and family of Joseph Todd Mathena, announce his passing on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the age of 63, surrounded by beloved friends and family.

Born on September 1st, 1962 in Franklin, Indiana, Joe was a man most at home in the outdoors, whether sitting outside under the tent of his produce stand, or in the boat on Dale Hollow Lake. He loved fishing and mushroom hunting, cooking for others (especially at Christmas), and his fishing trips to Tennessee.  While he did love the thrill of the catch, it seemed the laughter and friendship were the moments he enjoyed most. Joe found joy in simple, honest work and in sharing what he had.  At his produce stand, he did more than sell fruits and vegetables, he built connections.  Loyal customers would come for the produce, but they stayed for the conversation, the jokes, and the warmth he offered so freely. Trading stories was as important to him as trading tomatoes.  Above all, he was known for his unwavering willingness to help others. If someone expressed a need, he didn't hesitate.  He took pride in the fact that he was able to be the primary source of comfort and care for his Grandma Helen in her final days.  He gave his time, his strength, his resources, and his heart without expectation of anything in return.  His generosity left a mark on countless lives, and his kindness will continue to ripple through the people he cared for so deeply.

Joe is survived by his brother Kevin H. Mathena of Indianapolis, IN, nieces Katie Mathena (Justin Baker) and their son Max, Sarah Kelsey (Matt) and Jenny Mathena (Aaron Archer).  He is survived by his sister Rachel Mathena (Jamie Turner-Mathena) with their children Keegan and Kennedy of Franklin, Indiana; Sister Rose Hall of Freetown, IN; cousins Emily Goad of Franklin, IN, Ellen Causey of Whiteland, IN, Charles "Chuck" Mathena of Whiteland, IN, Alan Mathena (Lisa) of Whiteland, IN, David Mathena (Lori) of Morgantown, IN, Lori St. John (Don); his uncle and aunt John and Jane Mathena of Morgantown, IN and several second cousins.  He is survived by a multitude of friends turned family including Cory Handt (Rachael Nolan), children Hunter and Forrest of Hartsville, IN; Cody Handt (Lacinda) children Alex, Shelby and Maci of Brown County, IN, his very close and lifelong friend Kaye Blackwell of Franklin, IN.  He was predeceased by his parents Philip Henderson Mathena and Monica Jean (Pennington) Mathena, uncles and aunts Tom Mathena and Rosanna Mathena, Jim Mathena and Mary Lue Mathena-Walker.

Reverend David Lee will conduct a celebration of life memorial service on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12 Noon at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/josephmathena.  Visitation will be on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 10AM until service time at the mortuary.

Inurnment will take place at Hopewell Cemetery in Franklin, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.