By Kara Hackett
On the last day of his life, Joe Romine was surrounded by family, friends, coworkers and classmates.
After 34 years of devoted service as a coach, faculty member and athletic director, he was officially inducted in Taylor's Athletic Hall of Fame during a brunch on the morning of Oct. 20. "He gave a great set of remarks and a short speech to accept his induction," said Athletic Director Angie Fincannon. During the brunch, Romine, 64, received a standing ovation from about 150 people, Fincannon says. But in the afternoon, he wasn't feeling well, so he went to his home a few blocks away from campus, leaving his son, Kyle, and daughter, Kelli, to accept a certificate on his behalf during halftime of the Homecoming football game that began at 1 p.m. At approximately 3 p.m., Fincannon says, Romine died of a heart attack in his home. "He loved Taylor; He was very committed to Taylor," Fincannon said. "And he cared about people individually." Romine graduated from Taylor in 1970. While he was a student, he played on Taylor's football team and met his future wife Carol, who was a Taylor cheerleader. Romine and Carol were married 42 years. Before Romine served in the Department of Physical Education at Taylor, he earned his doctorate and masters degree at Ball State University. Then he came back to Taylor to work as Director of Student Activities and the Area Director of Youth for Christ, according to taylor.edu. During his time in Taylor's Physical Education Department, Romine built Taylor's intramural program and coached basketball, football, golf and track. Even during his retirement, Romine ran the shot clock for men's basketball and taught sports management and physical education classes. He also served 32 years on the Town of Upland Town Council. "He continues to be a great mentor to all of us, and he'll be greatly missed by our staff," Fincannon said. A memorial service for Romine will be held at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at Upland Community Church at 439 W. Berry Ave. There will be a visitation 2-8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Jones-Smith Funeral Home at 259 N. Main St. Jay Kesler and Charles Jaggers will preside. Memorials can be sent to the Taylor University Athletic Department, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland, Indiana, 46989.
