Joseph R. Sikes (Seymour)'s Obituary
Joe Sikes, beloved husband of Louise Sikes, departed this earthly life early Sunday morning, November 9, 2014, surrounded by family at his home in rural Seymour after a long battle with cancer. Joe was sixty-seven years, two months and seventeen days young.
One of five children, he was born Joseph Robert Sikes on August 23, 1947, in Mansfield, Missouri, to Loyal Dwain and Pauline Orlena (Barton) Sikes. Joe grew up in Diggins, Missouri, and attended grade school there. His teen years were spent in Seymour schools where he was a graduate of the Seymour High School Class of 1965. After graduating, employment opportunities moved Joe to St. Louis, Missouri. While working at McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, he would meet and marry the love of his life, Gladys Louise Farries. They married October 28, 1967, and to this union two sons were born. Joe and Louise were happily married for 47 years. Joe was employed with McDonnell-Douglas until 1976. He became an owner/operator, driving for North American Van Lines. Joe also spent time driving for Ryder, regularly hauling car parts from St. Louis to Michigan. He and Louise moved to Seymour in 1979. In 1980, he drove for Tindle Mills (ADM) until his retirement in 2012. Joe was an avid NASCAR fan, loved boating on Bull Shoals Lake, water-skiing and camping. He and Louise truly enjoyed their road trips of driving to out of the way restaurants; one such drive was all the way to Tunica, Mississippi, to eat at the Paula Deen Buffet. Above all things, Joe loved Jesus Christ. He was a deacon and founding member of New Beginning Baptist Church in Seymour. Joe loved his family and his special friends, Bob and Carolyn Cornelison and their family, and Charlie and Joyce Roberts, and all of his church family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Pauline Sikes; brother, Warren Sikes; sister, Betty Ann Sikes; and father and mother-in-law, Leo and Ruby Temples. He leaves behind his wife, Louise Sikes of the home; two sons, Robert D. Sikes of Issabella, Missouri, and Randy L. Sikes of Protem, Missouri; three granddaughters, Krystina Choate and husband Russell, of Seymour, Cheyenne Sikes of Seymour, and Macy Richter of Jackson, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Aiden Choate of Seymour; brother, Kenneth Sikes and wife Janice, of Springfield, Missouri; sister, Helen Snelson and husband Wayne, of Seymour; and many more cousins, extended family, dear friends and neighbors.
Joe Sikes was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a caring and loyal brother and friend. Joseph Robert Sikes lived a life dedicated to the Lord and his family. He created a lifetime of moments and memories that will live on forever in the hearts of all those who were blessed enough to know and love him.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?
