Joe Gwyn Caraway

Joe Gwyn Caraway, age 85, a lifelong resident of Gallatin, MO passed away Thursday, August 29th, 2019 at his home. Joe was born on September 28th, 1933 to Joseph Frank and Alma Elsie (Whitt) Caraway in rural Gallatin, MO. He graduated from Gallatin High School in 1951. After graduation Joe served in the United States Army 1st Calvary 5th Regiment as a switch board operator while stationed in Japan during the Korean War from 1951 until his honorable discharge as SP4 in 1953. After returning home he joined his father’s business Caraway Electric.  They wired some of the first grain bins in Daviess County and were responsible for wiring many grain elevators in the community.  They operated the family business in the community for 15 years. He also did carpentry work with his Uncle, Wayne Heldenbrand.

On October 20th, 1956 he was united in marriage to Laura “Charlene” Lynn at the Ketron Methodist Church and to this union two children were born, Sherri Lynn and Joe Frank. He was blessed to see a family history with five living generations, not once but twice starting with his Grandma and ending with his Great-Granddaughter. 

 Joe served as a deacon and treasurer for the Ketron Chapel church until it closed. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and National Farmers Organization. Joe and Charlene were honored to have been recognized as a Missouri Century Farm “The Joe and Charlene Lynn Caraway Century Farm.”  Joe farmed his entire life and loved what he did. He raised cattle and row crop and even had a small dairy at one time. Joe was a quiet, patient man; but he always had some ornery mischievous surprises for cousins and friends at birthdays and Christmas. He and Charlene made many memories for families and friends that visited the farm. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, target practice, woodworking and watching cowboy movies. Joe had quite the sweet tooth, he especially enjoyed black licorice, hot tamales, moon pies, homemade custard and jelly beans.  Joe loved animals; he had pets ranging from turtles, rabbits, goats, dogs, mice and even a crow and an owl. He really enjoyed his cattle and taking care of them.  Taking care of the cattle was his final chore.

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and his best friend since childhood, Alvin Franks.

Mr. Caraway was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alma. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Charlene of the home;  daughter, Sherri Lynn (Carl) Carder of Gallatin; son, Joe Frank (Gina) Caraway of Goldsmith, TX; granddaughter, Brandi (Lance) Moritz of Platte City, MO; granddaughter, Brook (Justin) Kreatz of Chillicothe, MO; granddaughter, Shilo (Matt) Duckworth of Odessa, TX; grandson, Shane (Karen) Williams of Rochester, NY; great-grandchildren: Chloe & Piper Moritz; Carder, Owen and Parker Kreatz; Samantha and Myles Duckworth; Shane Jr., Megan and Madison Williams.  Cousins and other extended family members also survive. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gallatin First Christian Church or Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. Visitation is scheduled for one-hour prior (1 PM) at the funeral home.  Friends may call after 9 AM Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors to follow the services at Hillcrest Cemetery, Gallatin, MO. Arrangements entrusted to Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin.  Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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