Paul Joslen Obituary

Paul E. Joslen, age 100, of Franklin, Indiana, passed away on July 1, 2025.
Born on November 6, 1924, in Edinburgh, Indiana, Paul was the son of John W. Joslen and Montie Francis Bailey-Joslen. He graduated from Edinburgh High School in 1943 and was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Paul trained at Naval Station Great Lakes and Norfolk before serving aboard a wooden-hulled minesweeper in the Pacific. As the ship's electrician, he maintained vital equipment through typhoons, depth-charging missions, and kamikaze attacks near Okinawa, while patrolling around Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Japan. His crew was awarded Navy Stars for their service, which he later described as "a blessing"-grateful for every meal, dry bunk, and camaraderie aboard ship.
After leaving the Navy on January 1, 1946, Paul embarked on a distinguished career in the insurance industry. He initially worked for Arvin Industries and later for Equifax, traveling throughout the region before retiring at age 55 in 1980.
He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin.
He was first married to Virginia L. Joslen for fifty years. Following her passing, he later married Clarice Robinson, who introduced him to the joys of ballroom dancing and world travel. Together, they explored destinations far and wide and spent winters in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Paul continued ballroom dancing well into his 90s, and in a fitting tribute, his dancing shoes will be on display at the funeral home.
Paul was a 30-year member of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association. He directed multiple tournaments and was instrumental in establishing a horseshoe league in Fort Myers. He pitched competitively for decades and especially enjoyed the fellowship of the game, including with his longtime friend and fellow pitcher, Roger Simms. Paul was also a regular fixture at the Franklin Senior Center, where he was known as its most famous-and most loved-card shark. The senior center played a major role in his daily life and friendships.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; his sister, Blanche Eilert; his step-son, Brent Robinson; his nephews Richard Eilert and Ronald Eilert; and his niece Carol Taffe.
He is survived by his step-children, Elaine Scott and David Robinson; his five step-grandchildren; his grand nephew Brian Taffe (Lori); his grand niece Cheri (Clint) Furgason; and his companion and caregiver, Sue Riutta.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton Street (U.S. 31) in Franklin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin Active Adult Center.
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