Joe Boatright

Joe Boatright, 79, of Republic, passed away in Cox Hospital South, Springfield, Nov. 25, 2019. He was born Feb. 11, 1940 to Roscoe and Eathel (Gaddy) Boatright in Republic.
Boatright was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine. He was a lifelong truck driver and owned a fleet of trucks which he leased to Frozen Food Express. He was also involved in cattle farm- ing, eventually moving his farming operation to hay, which he worked for years. He derived much pleasure from horseback riding and especially endurance riding on the XP trail.
Boatright was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carolyn Sue, and two brothers; Gene Boatright and Dale Boatright.
Boatright is survived by his daughter; Bobbie Jo Blankenship and husband Denny, son; David Boatright and wife Dana, two grandchildren; three great-grand- children; his brother; Bobby Boatright and wife Nancy as well as his sister; Ivone Keltner.
Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 in Meadors Funeral Home in Republic. The funeral service was Monday, Dec. 2, 2019 at 1 p.m., also in the funeral home. Burial followed immediately in Wade Chapel Cemetery, Republic. The family requests contributions to the Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation in lieu of flowers. Family and friends may share online condolences at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.