Carl Joe Rans, 82, of North Manchester, Ind., and formerly of Akron, Ind., passed away at 5:25 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at Timbercrest Healthcare of North Manchester, after being in failing health for 8 years.

He was born Sept. 15, 1931, in Fulton County, Ind., to Delbert Roy and Ethel Faye (Rouch) Rans. He was a 1949 graduate of Kewanna High School. On Sept. 1, 1951, in LaPorte, Ind., he was married to Joan M. Brandenstein. She survives.

He was a retired dairy farmer and also work doing custom bailing, seed corn salesman, and he also worked for MoorMan’s Feed. He worked for Jim Lewis installing Surge Milking Systems. He attended the Akron Church of God. Joe was a member of the Akron Lions Club. He enjoyed bailing, milking cows, doing woodworking projects, square dancing, and spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends.

He is survived by his wife; a son: Monte (Christine) Rans, Hesston, Kan.; daughters: Connie Rudd, Valporaiso, Ind.; Carla (Roger) Wagoner, Claypool, Ind.; sister: Virginia Ruth Agnew, Kewanna, Ind.; 10 grandchildren: Craig, Kevin, Beth, Brandon, Brianne, Blaine, Bryan, Scott, Cori and Sara; 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers: Billy Richard Rans, Harold Rans, Hubert Rans, Raymond Rans, Delbert Rans, Jr., Paul Rans, Lowell Rans and
Larry R. Rans; four sisters: Helen Worl, Lois Bell, Ethel Stipp and Lorene Wood.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at Akron Church of God located at 301 S. West Street Akron, Ind. Pastor Terry Canfield will officiate. Burial will take place in Akron Cemetery, Akron.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Timbercrest Healthcare or Gentiva Hospice or the Akron Church of God.