Joseph Tubbs

Joseph Howard Tubbs, 70, former resident of Defiance, Ohio, died in his home on Sunday, July 5, 2015, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he lived with his family since 2011.

Joe was born May 16, 1945, in Defiance, to Nelson and Agnes Tubbs, who preceded him in death. On September 10, 1966, he married Karen Elberson, who survives him in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Joe graduated from Defiance High School in 1963, where he earned varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He attended Baldwin Wallace College and graduated in 1967 with a degree in accounting. After graduation from Baldwin Wallace College, he taught at Defiance High School and was an assistant coach. Joe was employed as a CPA by Dinner Bell Foods, Kamco Industries and First Federal Bank. For 47 years, Joe owned Joe Tubbs Tax Service, providing personalized individual and commercial tax expertise. He was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fort Wayne and a former member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance.

Joe was on the Defiance County Board of Elections and active member of the Defiance County Republican Party, as well as Defiance Elks Lodge. He was recently inducted into the Defiance High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Joe Tubbs Award is named in honor of him and given annually to a Defiance High School senior football player who demonstrates athletic and academic success.

Surviving are two daughters, Amy Muha (Brian VanSkyock) and Susan (Chad) Steingass of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandchildren, Austin, Emily, Haiden, Jake and Natalie; and great-granddaughter, Ella Steingass. A brother, William "Bill" (Karen) of Columbus, Ohio, also survives Joe.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a vigil service at 2 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2015, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father John Stites officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Defiance Area Foundation or the Fort Wayne Women's Care Center Foundation. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.