Herbert "Joe" Joseph Gladden, age 85, of Litchfield, Ohio, passed away on September 5, 2024. He was born to Robert F. and Vivian P. (Powell) Gladden on December 22, 1938, in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1957, Joe graduated from Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis, IN. He received his bachelor's degree in engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and earned his master's degree from University of Toledo.

Joe moved to Cleveland in 1962 and began his career in Aerospace Engineering at NASA Lewis Research Center. He was very proud of his research. Joe was a part of many tests and credited on several published papers during his 35-year career at NASA.

In 1963, Joe married Mary Carol Uhl, and they began their family. He moved to Litchfield in 1974, with his wife and their two daughters. There he enjoyed growing popcorn and gardening in his free time.

Joe believed in serving others. He was a volunteer in the Litchfield Fire and Rescue Department from the mid-1970s to 1989. He served as a Litchfield Township Trustee from 1977 to 1983 and again from 1986 to 1993.

He was a proud member of York United Methodist Church for many years where he served on both the building and finance committees. In recent years, he was a member of Medina United Methodist Church where he attended with his daughter and her family.

When he could, Joe loved to travel. He had been to many places over the years including, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, several trips to Israel.

Joe is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Mary Carol Gladden; his daughter, Pamela (Mark) Haberkorn; his grandchildren, Katelyn, Kyle, and Kevin; his brother, P. Fred (Sally) Gladden; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents; and his daughter Jennifer Gladden.

Family will receive friends on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256. Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Medina United Methodist Church, 4747 Foote Rd., Medina, OH 44256. He will be laid to rest in Litchfield Cemetery in Litchfield, Ohio.

Donations in Joe's memory may be sent to: Medina United Methodist Church/ Jennifer Gladden Memorial Scholarship Fund, 4747 Foote Road, Medina, OH 44256.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.