LTC (USAF, Ret.) Joseph "Joe" Andrew Kinderman
April 4, 1944 ~ December 7, 2023
Joseph “Joe” Andrew Kinderman, 79, of Columbus, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning of Thursday, December 7, 2023. Joe was born on April 4, 1944, to Clifford Kinderman and Eugenia Osborne Kinderman in Athens, Georgia. During his school years, Joe delivered newspapers to a young girl who would later become his beloved wife, Ann Ryan Kinderman. Together, they spent over 58 remarkable years creating a life filled with love and cherished memories.
Following a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, Joe retired from the security forces also having served in the Vietnam War. Throughout his military journey, accompanied by Ann and their daughter Michelle, Joe traversed various destinations worldwide, including several states and the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These adventures brought him immense joy, and after his unwavering faith, his family held the utmost importance in his heart.
Joe and Ann settled in Columbus, where Joe established Heavenly Handy Man Service, a successful business he owned for many years. Additionally, he and Ann ventured into the world of religious and liturgical clothing, garments, and flags, creating "Stitches Become Wishes," a business that catered to customers across the globe. Joe's passion for teaching led him to become an instructor at Ivy Tech and IUPUC, specializing in interpersonal communication. Joe and Ann were devout members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Columbus.
Joe was a very loving person and always had the best jokes and “magic tricks” for his family and friends. During his life, he also enjoyed cooking, golfing, bowling, and going out to the shooting range, where he was also an expert sharpshooter, both in and out of the military. He was also a vital part of the Bartholomew Veteran’s Honor Guard where he played the bugle.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ann of Columbus, his daughter, Michelle Kinderman of Indianapolis, along with his grandson, Jesse Smith, and great-grandson Syre Smith also of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Eugenia Kinderman, and brothers, James Kinderman and Barrie Williams.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, December 15th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Tim Carter officiating. The Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the funeral home to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, the Bartholomew County Honor Guard, or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana.
Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.






Joe was a loyal member and friend of the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. In the Air Force, he had control of a horn. He continued that duty as we honored deceased veterans in this area with our local group of veterans as he played Taps following our three volley rifle salute.There were times Joe was not feeling well but attended a service anyway. He kept saying he was getting better and would soon return. We will miss him.
Our sympathies go to Ann who has done all she could in helping him get back on his feet. The Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard will be honoring Joe in any way we can at his final services.
A.C. Reeves, BCVHG
My sincere condolences to you and family. May his soul RIP 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I have many fond memories of Joe, Ann and Michelle when we were stationed in The Netherlands at the same time.
Joe could always bring a smile to one’s face. He and Ann were gracious hosts at events in their home.
I know Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
I met LtC Kinderman (aka Capt K) and his family when I was stationed at Vokel Air Base, Netherlands. Capt K was not only my CO but was also a friend. My sincere condolences to the family. He will be truly missed.
Joe, loved to tell jokes and while we were having a family reunion here in North Carolina. he told my wife Barbara and me to go to the Airforce Museum in Dayton. He then said allow 3 days! we went What he’s pulling our Leg! but NO! he was telling us the truth. As our families are separated by distance. I wish we had spent more time together. He will be missed Cousin Joe!
Sending our love & prayers to the family and may Joe Rest in Peace & Love. Dan & I have so many memories of Joe, but some of our favorite memories was of us laughing with him, trying his delicious recipes and just talking about Life & family. Joe, you are & will forever have a special place in our hearts. Thank you for the many special memories you shared with Dan, Mikey, Kay, Kwynton and myself. We love you! Love, the Bardells
My thoughts and prayers are for Ann and family. May God bless you all.
So sorry to hear this. Joe was a great man! I appreciate all the help he gave me when Don passed and before. Prayers for Ann and the rest of the family.
Joe brought a deep faith to our Saturday morning group and an in depth knowledge of the Bible. If a subject was discussed on a Saturday, Joe would research the subject and provide a detailed report the next week. He will be missed.
Bill Haas
Joe, you will be greatly missed in our neighborhood. Enjoyed our many conversations and laughter together. The Poe Family
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Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of LTC (USAF, Ret.) Joseph “Joe” Andrew Kinderman.
The Koontz Family planted a Memorial Tree in honor of LTC (USAF, Ret.) Joseph “Joe” Andrew Kinderman.
My Family and I knew him and My Sister and I Went to school with his daughter Michelle Kinderman