Joseph Dean Templeton, 74
Funeral services for Joseph Dean Templeton, 74, of Booneville, Arkansas, formerly of Thornfield, were held Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Ava Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Interment was Monday, Aug. 1, with full military honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, Springfield.
He died July 26 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 28, 1948, in Joplin to George and Bessie Marie (Cash) Templeton.
He graduated from Hallsville High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He later received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Missouri University in Columbia.
He married Carla Timmons in 1969 and they had two children Tami Marie and Carl Wesley. This marriage ended in divorce.
Joe then married Dona Delong. With their marriage, her daughter, Sara, joined into his family.
Following their divorce, he married Tenoha Rogers Eagar on July 11, 2009, whom survives.
Joe served in the United States Navy Construction Battalion (SeaBees) from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1970. During his enlistment, he deployed on two combat tours to the Republic of Vietnam and was awarded the following citations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Insignia and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His final duty station was the United States Naval Station Midway Island.
Joe served two terms as Mayor of Galena and built his dream, Pop’s Retreat Rental Cabins, on the James River in Galena.
He loved his family and took great joy in his grandkids.
He enjoyed keeping his property looking beautiful, loved going fishing, barbecuing and spending time with friends. He loved his wife and called her his Commander in Chief. He was proud of his children and enjoyed bragging about each one and their accomplishments. He never met a stranger and always believed the best of everyone. He enjoyed people, and he truly was a man of the people.
Joseph is survived by his wife Tenoha; children Tami Martin and husband Scott of Depoe Bay, Oregon, Carl Wesley and wife Annie of Guam, Sara Morris of Galena, Cliffy Lynn Gibson of Ava, Cindy Marsh of Bradleyville and Darrell Eagar of Greenwood, Arkansas; 25 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Peggy (Gallespie) Phillips.
Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.