Joseph Robert Ulber

Joseph (Joe) R. Ulber Sr., 87, passed away in his home on February 12, 2016. Joe was born May 27, 1928 to the late John and Mary Ulber in East Chicago, IN and was a 1946 graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School. He began working at Edward Valve during WW II in the testing area, then at Standard Forgings Corp. until 1969, when he and his family moved to Owensboro, KY. Almost all of his working life was spent primarily in the machining industry, and he retired from Smith Machine and Supply Company in Owensboro in 1995 after 28 years of service. While there, he became interested in large machine tools. He and a colleague traveled across the North Eastern part of the country examining and inspecting some of the largest machine tools made in this country. After retiring, he began researching the most miniature machine tools ever made, such as the ones required for cutting the gear teeth in watches, machining the miniature shafts and the rest of the parts required in a watch including the manufacturing methods for producing the "ultra miniature" bolts, nuts and cap screws required in a miniature timepiece. As time permitted, he delved into the ancient Romans building methods such as how they machined all of the towering columns, and the formula they used for spacing columns around a given circumference. Joe also spent time delving into the ancient Inca building and measuring methods. He liked to study and research World War II and the other major wars. He was a Kentucky Colonel and was of the Protestant faith.

Mr. Ulber was preceded in death by his brothers, John Ulber and Norman Ulber, both of Munster, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Malvine (Churilla) and his two daughters, Shane Cavin of Owensboro and Diane (Allen) Stinnett of Hartford, his son, Joseph (Sherri) R. Ulber, Jr. of Owensboro, and five grandchildren: Emily, Katie and Sarah Ulber and Chase Cavin all of Owensboro, and Josh (Nikki) Wardrip and great granddaughter Olivia of Pittsburgh, PA.

Joe requested a private service for his family, followed by cremation.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.glennfuneralhome.com