Joe Darrell Lovelace, son of Faith Fraley Lovelace and the late Billy Joe Lovelace, was born July 9, 1946, in Thayer, Missouri, and died July 27, 2024, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 78 years.
He was united in marriage to Vicki King on June 26, 1971, in West Plains, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki; three children, Adriane Wooderson and husband Jake, Erin Priest and husband Anthony, and Darren Lovelace; and three grandchildren, Kennedi, Cade, and Quin Wooderson, all of West Plains, Missouri. He also leaves behind his mother, Faith, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn “Bebe” Smith and husband Dale, West Plains, Missouri; one uncle, Glen Fraley, Houston, Missouri; brother-in-law, Kenny King and wife Lori, Lebanon, Missouri; sister-in-law, Cindy Rasor and husband Raymond, West Plains, Missouri; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Angel; infant son, Richard; and his dad, Billy Joe Lovelace.
Joe was a believer and a faithful member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. After the family moved from Thayer in 1958, he graduated from West Plains High School in 1964 where he made many lifelong friends. He served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He was in the 50th Scout Dog Platoon of the 4th Infantry Division with his beloved dog, Buck. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for heroism, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge (Rifle M-14), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and One Overseas Service Bar. In May of 1969, Joe began working at the family business, Link Motor Supply and Equipment Co. He later purchased the store in 1991 and operated it until he retired in July 2016. Joe had a deep love for his family and enjoyed fishing, hunting, Southern Gospel music, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation time will be Saturday, August 3, 2024 also at Carter Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Elk Creek Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
