Joe grew up in different areas as his father was in the military service. Joe was a 1952 graduate of Nevada High School. He joined the Air force in 1954 and served for 4 years with the 798 AC&W (Radar) Squadron, Belleville, IL. He later graduated from Pittsburg State College. Joe was employed with the Division of Family Services in Vernon County, MO and Henry County, MO during his professional career as a Supervisor of Child Welfare. He retired in 1999.
Joe was an active member of his church, The Disciples of Christ Christian Church in Nevada, and enjoyed participating in community events such as 4-H and Bushwhacker Days. His retirement enjoyment included traveling, his love of reading books, taking long walks, plus spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Hartley, and a son, Justin Hartley, both of Kissimmee, FL. In addition to his wife, Dianna, he was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Barbara Fuqua, and one half-brother, Randy Hartley.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Newton Burial Park in Nevada with Rev. Jack Daniel officiating. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Memorials are suggested to Disciples of Christ Christian Church in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
