Joseph R. "Joe" Wathen

Joseph R. “Joe” Wathen, 70, of Marion, IL passed away July 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family in Marion, IL. He was born April 14, 1947 in Whitesville, KY, the son of Lushion and Verte Mae Ward Wathen. He married Martha H. French on June 17, 1967 at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Whitesville, KY. Joe and Martha just celebrated 50 wonderful years together. Joe was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich for 30 years and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. He retired in 1999 from Caterpillar, after 30 years of service. Joe started J & M Golf Cart Company in Marion. He found great satisfaction in his work and enjoyed fishing in his free time. Joe loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Martha of Marion, IL; three children, Kecia Rick Hoover Sleezer of Bristol, IL, Gary Valleri Wathen of Somonauk, IL, and Kevin Suzy Wathen of Irvington, KY; nine grandchildren, Joe, Jay, John, Emily, Austin, Brandon, Brycen, Preston, and Diamond; two great grandchildren, Connie Jo and Olivia, and expecting a third great grandchild in January of 2018; two brothers, William Wathen and Lushion Wathen both of Whitesville, KY; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Louise Wathen.
Prayer Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home 606 E. Arnold Road in Sandwich, IL with Deacon Dale Metcalfe officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Sandwich, IL. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 in the funeral home until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Open Door Rehabilitation in Sandwich, IL. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home606 E. Arnold Rd.Sandwich, IL 60548815-786-2165