Obituary of Joseph Lester Humphrey

Joseph Lester Humphrey was born on November 9, 1940, to Jonas Lester Humphrey and Nell Demova (nee Healy) Humphrey in Evansville, Indiana. Joe passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025.
He was raised in Elizabethtown, Illinois and was baptized at the age of fourteen and was a lifetime member of Peter’s Creek Baptist Church. He graduated from Rosiclare High School in 1959 and decided to join the Army via volunteer draft. Joe served our nation from April 1960 until May of 1962. His service was extended during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
His work career included the U.S. Forest Service, Illinois State Highway Department, Arclar Coal Company, Portland Cement, Minerva Oil Company, and Inverness Mining Company. He retired from the Hardin County Highway Department in 2004.
He was a member of the Paul C. Rowan American Legion Post #571 in Hardin County.
Joe loved the outdoors. His passions included hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed shooting competitions, league pool tournaments, and dancing.
Joe is survived by his three children, Tim (Jennifer) Humphrey of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, Rob Humphrey of Murphysboro, Illinois, and Joanne (Angie) Humphrey of Belton, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Josh (Jasmine) Betts of Indianapolis, Indiana, Garrett (Madison) Betts of Maysville, North Carolina, Larissa Musselman of Champaign, Illinois, and Cheyenne Humphrey of Pleasant Plains, Illinois; and one great-grandchild, Hallie Betts of Maysville, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas Lester and Nell Demova Humphrey; and a brother, David Michael Humphrey.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Peter’s Creek Baptist Church. Bro. Stan Pennell will conduct the service. Burial with military rites will follow the service at Peter’s Creek Cemetery.
Public visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the church.
Visit alyfh.com to leave an online condolence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peter’s Creek Cemetery Fund, Hospice of Southern Illinois or a Veteran’s charity of choice.