Joe Bob Trantham, a beloved resident of Owensboro, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, while under the compassionate care of several loving caregivers along with the great workers from Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was 89 years old. Joe was born on July 1, 1933, in Canton, North Carolina, to his late parents, Lloyd J. Trantham and Ivy M. Ford Trantham.
At the tender age of 17, Joe, with the permission of his parents, courageously enlisted as a Marine and served his country during the Korean War. Following the war, he made his way to Owensboro, where he spent the rest of his fulfilling life. Joe dedicated 35 years of service to Whirlpool in Evansville before his well-deserved retirement. Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe had an undeniable passion for woodworking, undertaking numerous projects and generously donating over 40,000 cedar crosses to 13 different countries. Fishing, cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, and solving crossword puzzles were among his cherished hobbies. Joe was a devoted member of St. John United Methodist Church, where he found solace and community.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Doris, in 2017, as well as his siblings Bill Trantham, Thelma Gouge, Ronnie Trantham, and Larry Trantham.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving children: Joe B. Trantham Jr. (Joyce) of Weaverville, NC; Wanda Bennett (Billy) of Auburndale, FL; Bryan Trantham (Diane) of Black Mountain, NC; Kim Sinner of Lake Wales, FL; Allison Johnson of Hendersonville, TN; Jack Trantham (Michele) of Lake Wales, FL; Linda Mitchell of Owensboro, KY. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, along with 6 brothers and sisters.
The funeral service honoring the life of Joe Bob Trantham will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at St. John United Methodist Church. Prior to the service, visitation hours will take place on Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, as well as on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the church. Joe will be laid to rest in Owensboro Memorial Gardens with military honors.
We invite you to share your condolences and cherished memories of Joe by visiting www.glenncares.com.
In our hearts, Joe Bob Trantham will forever remain, his legacy living on through the love and memories he created.