Joseph H. LaFrance, age 53, of 203 SR 3005, Meshoppen, PA (South Auburn), went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ early Monday morning, November 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on November 28, 1960 in Meshoppen, PA the son of the late Robert B. LaFrance, Jr. who passed away on September 4, 1977 and Elaine Phillips LaFrance of South Auburn, PA. He graduated from Elk Lake High School with the Class of 1979.

Joe was a farmer all of his life and his farming career started at the age of 16 after the death of his father. He loved his animals and developed a great knowledge of dairy farming and proved to be a very successful farmer. In 2009 he had to give up farming due to health reasons. Joe loved horses and his love for horses lead him to experience the enjoyment of team penning for a few years during which the time he was a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Team Penning Association. Joe was a devoted hunter and always looked forward to the hunting season. Joe hunted with both his rifle and bow and acquired several beautiful trophy bucks. He was also an avid sports fan and loved sports in general. As a teenager he played golf for Elk Lake High School and competed at states during his high school career. In the past he was a member of the Tri-County Men's Bowling League at Shadowbrook in Tunkhannock. Joe enjoyed watching hockey and football as well. Joe was a member of the Overfield Cemetery Association. He attended the Braintrim Baptist Church and made a public identification with Jesus by being baptized earlier this year. Joe was a brave and gentle man that loved his God, family, and friends.

Joe is survived by his mother, Elaine LaFrance of South Auburn; his sisters Chanda and her husband Dennis Cunningham of Laceyville, PA; Bobbie and her husband Nelson Hollett of South Auburn, PA. He is also survived by his nephews, Joseph and his wife Sara Hollett; Lee and his wife Theresa Hollett; niece Dana and her husband Billy Marshall; grandnephew Max Hollett; grandnieces Ali, Natilee, and Kristi Hollett as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services for Joe will be on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Braintrim Baptist Church in Laceyville, PA with Reverend Thomas Davis of the church officiating. Interment will follow at the Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen, PA Friends and family may call at the church from 12:00 PM until the time of the service.

Arrangements were entrusted with Sheldon Funeral Homes, Box 32 Main St., Laceyville, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Braintrim Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, PO Box 281, Laceyville, PA 18623 or The Child Evangelism Fellowship, 11 Wyoming Avenue, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.