Joseph Eden

Joseph Michael Eden, 72, of The Villages, FL, passed into the arms of Jesus on April 15,2025 in Orlando Regional Medical Center, ICU, Orlando, FL. After battling AML for nine months. Joe was born in Springfield, Illinois to James Ernest Eden and Carol (Gustavson) Eden on May 25, 1952. He lived in Athens, Illinois where he attended grade school, later moved to Minneapolis for middle school, and high school in Morton, Illinois. In 1975 he graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree. In 1977 he was inducted into the National Association of Accountants.

 He married Brenda (King) Rhodes on June 16,1979 at Northwest Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois and celebrated 45 years of marriage together.

 He worked his entire career as an accountant for Archer Daniels Midland Co in Decatur, IL, and later was promoted to Controller of the Transportation Division. In addition, he obtained a Securities License and served as an affiliate of Primerica Financial Services.

 Joe enjoyed sports: track and field and basketball in high school with several awards. Later, he played softball for nearly 20 years with the ADM league, was a bowler, and an avid golfer. After moving to Florida, he also competed in pickleball. He always enjoyed playing games with his family and friends, including cards, poker and craps. He loved his swimming pool.

 In 1996 Joe became a member of First Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois where his passion became mission work, both locally and in Kenya. He served as an after-school tutor in the Club 305 program, associated with the church and local elementary school. After retirement, Joe and Brenda moved to the village of St. Catherine in Florida to continue their dreams. There he enjoyed serving in the food pantry at Grace Tabernacle Church. 

Joe was preceded in death by his father, James E. Eden in 1986. 

He is survived by his spouse, Brenda; children Kevin King (Michelle), Sean King (Haley) and Christin Eden; siblings David Eden (Connie) and Cheryl Johnson; mother Carol E. Eden; grandchildren Karson King (Ysha), Konnor King, Carolyn Kelley, Eva Kelley, Stella King, Sydnie King, Noah King; great-granddaughter, Katara King; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Joe has chosen cremation with Hiers-Baxley Life Event Cremation Center in The Villages, FL and will ultimately be buried with his wife at Macon County Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Ezell Recreation Center, 769 Marilee Place, the Villages, FL for family and friends residing in Florida. A second Celebration of Life will be held on May 19,2025 in the evening at First Christian Church, Decatur, Illinois for additional family and friends. Arrangements in Decatur will be with Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service.

 Memorials may be given to First Christian Church/Club 305, 3350 N. MacArthur, Decatur, Illinois; or to New Life Pregnancy Center, 1698 E. Pershing Rd., Decatur, Illinois