Adams 1946 Joel Bullard

SOUTH BEND - Joel Bullard died in his sleep December 20, 2017. He was born in 1928 in Oak Park, IL to Charles Elworthy Bullard and Vera Valentine Cleary. South Bend had been his home since 1931. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Aileen Bullard Droege. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lou AnnSkeen; and children, Charles Donovan, Jane Candace, Timothy Cleary, MarnaAileen Baer, Mary Kathryn Bullard-Sisken, Rosemary MacKie, Elizabeth, Alice, and James Haynes, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.Joel attended St. Patrick's, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. He was anEagle Scout in Troop 7 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950, where he was manager of varsity sports and member of the Monogram Club. Joel served in the army in Germany. He married Lou Ann in Munich in 1952, and often joked he was the only private who had a hand-tailored uniform made for his wedding. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish at Notre Dame, Rotary, the Junto Goose and Duck Club, president of the Northern Indiana Historical Society, president of South Bend Catholic Charities, and Secretary of CatholicForum. Joel worked to eliminate racial barriers in housing, serving as president of the South Bend Urban League, a founding member of the Catholic Interracial Council, and Catholic Co-chair of the local Council of Christians and Jews. His legacy includes the North Shore Woods complex on the St. Joseph River, which showcases huge old-growth trees.Joel had an endless love of adventure and filled his life with travel, art, and joy. In the great Irish tradition, he was known for opening his home to all comers for countless celebrations. Joel dedicated his remains to medical study. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Consider donating in Joel's name to the Northern Indiana Historical Society and Friends of St Joseph County Parks.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 31, 2017

jmc 31 dec 2017