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.
July 30, 2024 @ 11:10 am
Vicki and family, I’m sorry for the loss of your husband.
July 31, 2024 @ 1:58 pm
Deepest condolences for your loss.
I have very fond memories of Joe, I looked forward to doing business with him at Links, he was a good story teller and always wore a smile. In fast-pitch softball, he was always a fierce competitor, a fast runner and super glove man, and he could handle a bat with the best of ’em.
I loved to hear him tell of his creek fishing excursions and what had to be his favorite fish, the goggle-eye
I coached his son, and without question, one could easily tell he raised Darren right, so let’s add to Joe’s credits, a tremendous father.
Hugs and prayers abound for the entire family.
July 30, 2024 @ 11:28 am
Vicki and Lovelace Families,
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Joe. Now and in the weeks to come we will continue to keep all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. Joe had a wonderful personality, his smile, his laughter, and his concern for others. Also, we appreciated his service for our Country. He will be missed. Daily may God provide peace, comfort, strength, and encouragement to each one of you. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
July 30, 2024 @ 3:29 pm
Not a better man. Friend. And veteran! Will be missed by all. Friends tom&june thompson.
July 30, 2024 @ 3:47 pm
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 31, 2024 @ 1:44 pm
So many good memories of cousin Joe. Sundays and Holidays at our grandparents farm…catching Cradads, finding Arrow heads..laughing and running wild. JOE WAS A BIG PERSONALITY! My condolences to all family..Cousin Linda8pmlo
July 30, 2024 @ 4:45 pm
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Joe was a great guy.
July 30, 2024 @ 5:39 pm
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 30, 2024 @ 6:04 pm
A dear friend of my husband and me. Love and prayers to his family..
July 30, 2024 @ 6:34 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers and with you all. I know he will be missed desperately.
July 30, 2024 @ 7:53 pm
Vicki and family. We are so very sorry, to hear of Joe’s passing. May God give each of you comfort during this time. Prayers for all
July 30, 2024 @ 9:34 pm
He was my sweetest customer at Shamrock. I always looked forward to his visits and he will be missed greatly. Prayers for the family.
August 1, 2024 @ 8:56 am
Vicki and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Joe passing. He was one of the finest men I’ve ever known and a fine athlete as well. I so enjoyed visiting with him about his military experience to use for a novel I was writing at the time.
He WILL be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Vicki, you take care.
July 31, 2024 @ 1:29 pm
I am so sad to see this. Joe was a wonderful man! Hugs and prayers to his family and friends. He will be missed by many!
July 31, 2024 @ 2:25 pm
He was o0ne of the best. Never a dull minute when Joe was around. i CAN HEAR him laugh outloud when a when a bass singer would hit and hold a low note that would rattle windows. Joe loved good gosp`el music. His smile and laugh will be missed greatly by every0one. He is kicking up gold dust now.See you soon brother.
July 31, 2024 @ 3:20 pm
Vicki and Family, we are very sad to learn of Joe’s passing. We all loved Joe. Our love and prayers to you all.
Sandy and Paul Rosengren
July 31, 2024 @ 4:10 pm
To the family of one American Hero! Little Joe you was a one of kind! I only wish I could have known more stories! You was a humble man for sure! Thinking of you all! With love – Jessica
July 31, 2024 @ 7:39 pm
Vicki and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thanks prayers are with you.
Bernice Decker
July 31, 2024 @ 10:09 pm
Joe was a one of a kind man, always had a smile on his face and a kind word to give. He was such a jokester and fun to be around. He will be so missed. We loved him dearly. Our prayers go out to you,
Vicky and everyone in the family. Love to you all, Rhonda and Kason
August 1, 2024 @ 12:24 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe was always a good host when we visited. Ron enjoyed hearing about his dog and Vietnam.
I’m so sorry we cannot be there for his services.
Vicki, please take care of yourself. You and your family are in our prayers. We love you dearly.
August 1, 2024 @ 3:38 pm
May the good Lord give you all peace as only He can. We’re sorry for your dear loss, and we are thankful for his service to our country.
The Montgomerys
Garel, Leslie, Jed, Evin, and Jon
August 1, 2024 @ 4:00 pm
Vicki and family so sorry you lost Joe D. I met him in 1969 when I went to work at Link Motor Supply. Prayers for your family during this sad time
Noble and Donna Fox Newberry
August 3, 2024 @ 2:33 pm
Sending the family my deepest condolences. He will truly be missed. He was a kind hearted man. A true servant to the lord and the country. Love you all. Praying for your comfort and peace
August 3, 2024 @ 4:43 pm
Vicki, and family; Our heart felt condolences for the loss of a Husband, Father, Companion, and Friend. Know that our prayers are with you during this time.
August 3, 2024 @ 5:33 pm
Vicki and family MY Sister Patricia Pointer and myself extend our heart felt sympathy in the Passing of Joe Darrell. Payers for the family that always seemed like part of ours. Charlie G. Forester
August 4, 2024 @ 7:42 am
Vicki, Adriane & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray God will hold you & hug you as He comforts you in your time of grieving.
Deanna Watkins
August 5, 2024 @ 8:12 am
So sorry for your loss!! Prayers for family! God Bless you so much!! ❤️
August 5, 2024 @ 1:09 pm
Dear Vicki and family,
It has been years since we were all close with fast pitch softball games. We spent several night per week watching the guys play ball. Joe was an outstanding player and sportsman. I always enjoyed his wonder smile and laugh. Joe came to the visitation when my Dad dies in June of 2013. It was such a pleasure to see him and so fortunate that he took the time to come and see me after all those years. I have such fond memories of him an encourage you to also keep your fond memories close during this difficult time. God’s blessings to all
August 6, 2024 @ 10:57 am
Vicki and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a nice man I enjoyed visiting with at church. You are in my thoughts and prayers for God’s peace and comfort. Darren, Erin, and Adrianne, you have a special place in my heart! Much love for all of you!
August 16, 2024 @ 9:06 am
Is there a place to send money instead of flowers. So sorry for your loss.
August 16, 2024 @ 10:29 am
The family did not designate any organizations.
August 24, 2024 @ 11:18 am
Carolyn I did not know about Joe until just now, I’m so sorry to hear about him passing away, I thought a great deal of Joe Darrell, and we were always great friends and I have many fond memories of us laughing and telling stories. He was a good man and will be sorely missed.
August 27, 2024 @ 3:15 pm
So very sorry for your loss.