Friday, March 29, 2024

Leslie B. “Joe” Wise

Leslie B. “Joe” Wise, age 93 years, a resident of rural Simpson (the Glendale community), passed away Thursday morning, August 20, 2020, at 7:09 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky.

Joe, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, was born June 22, 1927 in Saline County Illinois.  He was the son of Raymond and Mae (Garwood) Wise.

On July 30, 1983, Joe was united in marriage to Jenny Henry in the Glendale community.  She survives.

Joe is also survived by; a step granddaughter – Cecile Carnell; 5 step great grandchildren; a step great-great grandson; along with a host of other relatives and many friends and neighbors. 

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a stepdaughter – Sheila Yuvonne Tilley; and his brother and sister-in-law – Buell and Carrie Wise.

Joe was a 1946 graduate of Golconda Township High School.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged January 4, 1957.  Joe was a life member of Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 in Vienna and was also a member of the American Legion Post # 0719 in Golconda. 

Joe was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local # 318 at Marion.  He was heavy equipment and crane operator for many years prior to his retirement in 1991.

Joe was a member of the former Gurney Masonic Lodge # 778 (now merged with Eddyville Masonic Lodge # 672) A.F. & A.M.  He was also a member of Modern Woodmen of America.  Joe was a member of the Glendale United Methodist Church. 

Joe enjoyed being outdoors working in his yard and mowing.  He also enjoyed collecting tractors and antique farm equipment.

Burial services for Joe were held Sunday, Aug. 23 in the Glendale Cemetery with Military honorse accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors detail. 

Memorials may be made to the Glendale Cemetery, c/o Charlotte Benard, 45 Cedar Grove Road, Simpson, IL 62985.

To share a memory of Joe or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visitwww.baileyfh.com