Joseph Ray Malagon, 11, Ligonier, passed away unexpectedly at home following a brief illness. He was born on March 16, 2007, the son of Carlos Malagon and Katrina L. Bench in Goshen.

Joseph attended West Noble Middle School. He loved swimming, baseball, video games, scavenger hunts, and making everyone scrambled eggs. Joseph was very loving, highly intelligent, and very perceptive. He had a heart of gold and was always there to lift you up when you felt down. He also enjoyed having a friendly debate just to debate. He was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Joseph is survived by his parents Katrina L. Bench, Ligonier; and Carlos (Cassie) Malagon of Goshen; six siblings: Nicholas Malagon, Kaden Arceneaux, Aiden Malagon, Mikaelah Arceneaux, Alana Arceneaux, and Jordan Alswadeh; grandparents, Marcella and Roy Thornsberry, Ligonier; Rose Quade of Topeka; and Felix Malagon, and Angela Malagon, both of Ligonier; along with a great-grandmother, Betty Maloney of Kimmell.

A funeral service will be held in Joseph’s honor at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, at The Crosswalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church, 466 Townline Road, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Jean Ness will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

Family and friends will be received at The Crosswalk from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 20, and also noon-1 p.m., prior to the service on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.