Joseph Dean Templeton

Booneville, AR (formerly of Galena, MO)

Joseph Dean Templeton,74, of  Booneville, Arkansas passed away July 26, 2022 at his home with him surrounded by his family. He was born February 28, 1948 in Joplin, Missouri to George and Bessie Marie (Cash) Templeton. He graduated from Hallsville High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He graduated from the University of Missouri,Columbia in 1980 with a BA in Industrial Arts.

Joe served as a Utilitiesman Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy Construction Battalion (SeaBees) from Oct. 12, 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1970.  During his enlistment, he deployed on two combat tours to the Republic of Vietnam and was awarded the following citations:  National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Insignia and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  His final duty station was the United States Naval Station Midway Island.

He married Carla Timmons, April 25, 1969 in Oxnard, CA and to this marriage were born Tami Marie Martin (Scott) and son Carl Wesley Templeton (Annie Camacho). Grandchildren, Sean William Templeton and O'Malley Marie Martin. This marriage ended in divorce.

Joe then married Dona Delong on March 15, 1984 in Columbia, MO and to this marriage was added four-year old daughter:  Sara Dawn Morris, grandson, Michael Wesley Meade and this marriage ended in divorce.  He later married Tenoha Rogers Eagar on July 11, 2009 whom survives.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Vietta Peggi-Jean (Gallespie) Phillips.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Tenoha; children Tami Martin (Scott) of Depoe Bay, Oregon and Carl Wesley (Annie) of Guam, Sara Morris of Galena, MO, Janet Rae Silvas (George), Cliffy Lynn Gibson (John) of Ava, MO, Cynthia (Cindy) Ellen Marsh (Jeff) of Bradleyville, MO, and Darrell Ross Eagar (Alison) of Greenwood, AR; 24 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild, many neices, nephews and cousins.

Joe served two terms as Mayor of Galena, MO and built his dream Pop's Retreat Rental Cabins on the James River in Galena. Joe loved his family and took great joy in his grandkids. He enjoyed keeping his property looking beautiful, loved going fishing, barbequing and spending time with friends. He loved his wife and called her his Commander in Chief. He was proud of his children and enjoyed bragging about each one and their accomplishments. He never met a stranger and always believed the best of everyone. He enjoyed people and he truly was a man of the people.

Funeral services for Joseph will be Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ava Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Interment will be Monday, August 1, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd., Springfield, MO 65804 with full military honors. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.