Joseph L. Trask Jr.

Joseph L. Trask Jr., gained his heavenly wings on October 31, 2020. He was born on April 15, 1967 to parents Flavoria and Rev. Joseph L. Trask, Sr., in West Memphis, Arkansas. Affectionately known to his family as Lil’ Joe, he was the 3rd eldest child and the only boy who had the awesome task of protecting his 3 sisters, Carolyn Trask, Valerie Trask-Moore and Tonjya Trask-Hawkins. Joe relocated to Evansville, Indiana with his family when his father the late Rev. Joseph Trask, Sr. was appointed as pastor of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church in 1978.
Early Years / High School
Joe was a very intelligent, athletic and giving person to his family, friends and especially anyone in need. An unknown fact about Joe occurred in his early years of elementary school as he was deemed a gifted student and was double promoted from the 1st grade to 3rd grade. His parents were encouraged to double promote him again from the 3rd grade to 5th grade but his parents declined as they were concerned about his socialization skills with other students since they would be 4 years older than him. Further as he moved on to high school, Joe didn’t turn 17 years old until just weeks before he graduated from William Henry Harrison High School Class of 1985. Even with him being a couple of years younger than his classmates, he was a very good student, football player and a 110-meter high hurdler champion for the powerhouse Harrison High School Track team.
College/ Military
After graduation, Joe attended Ball State University with hopes of pursuing degrees in Architecture, Computer Engineering and he had hopes of walking onto the Ball State football team. With opportunity knocking on the door and aspirations of a pro career, his dreams were put on hold by an injury sustained in a car accident. Joe being the independent and ambitious person that he was, decided to take his talents to the United States Army thus following in his dad’s footsteps. He had his longest tenure in the Army while stationed in Alaska. Joe had a good career and received many honors for his high standards and performance. However, his most proud moments were standing up for social injustice as many obstacles came his way during his career. He always overcame and never let a tough challenge get the best of him. He always looked for a way to conquer obstacles. He was the true definition of strength and was a good a soldier!
Employment
Joe was a proud and dedicated employee at Lewis Bakery. He also worked for over 20 years at Keller Crescent, and a few years at Aaron’s and worked part time at local beverage company. While there, he met customers with a friendly smile, a good conversation and was instrumental in mentoring those in need, no matter who they were. That was his ministry and his way of giving back to the community and he was always excited to give an encouraging word or advice .
Family
Joe was preceded in death by his father: Rev. Joseph L. Trask Sr.; mother: Flavoria L. Trask; sisters: Carolyn Trask and Valerie Trask- Moore.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Ann Trask; children: Amaris Trask and Joseph Trask, III; sisters: Tonjya Trask-Hawkins (Ocie), Rahima Ibrahim , Sheryl Trask; brother: Titus Trask; nieces: Andrea Trask, Kataka Milon, Kolaiah Hawkins, Kailey Trask : Nephews: Frederick Moore III, Koa Hawkins; great nephews: Fernando Wilson, Jr. (Kaylana), Ayden Trask-Wright, Frederick Moore IV; great nieces: Shakiah Milon, Shataya Hostzclaw, Maleka Moore and Patience Moore; great-great nephews: Tayten Wilson, Kyrus Wilson ,Mekhi Hostzclaw; great-great nieces: Kasynie Wilson and Kailani Greentree.