Mr. Jasper Joseph, age 92, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, formerly of Harlan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

One of nine children, Jasper was born on December 15, 1930, in Leslie County, Kentucky, to Luther and Hattie Baker Joseph. When Jasper was a teenager his family moved to Harlan County, where he worked with his brothers at Begley Shoe Store. At the age of 21, Jasper enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, he served in the Korean War with the 24th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion as a gunner. After being honorably discharged, Jasper returned to Harlan, at which time he and his sweetheart, Lola Mae Cheek, eloped and were married on January 22, 1954, in Jonesville, VA. The following year, they welcomed the first of five daughters.

Jasper moved his family to Louisville, took a job with the Ralston Purina Company as a forklift operator, and after more than 25 years with the company, retired. He was a quiet, soft-spoken man of few words, who loved his family. Although quiet by nature, he could get 'fired up' when provoked. When referred to as 'stubborn', he would always reply, "I'm not stubborn. I just do what I want, when I want."

Jasper believed in the church of God faith and always made sure his family attended church. He enjoyed working on cars when he was able and also enjoyed target shooting.

Jasper is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-seven years, Lola; his parents, Luther and Hattie Joseph; two daughters, Kathy Williams and Betty Taylor; one sister, Mallie Chasteen; two brothers, Arnold Joseph and Johnny Joseph; two sons-in-law: Kevin Ferrell and William Johnson.

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters: Judy Ferrell of Louisville, KY, Vickie Blain and husband, Paul, of Shepherdsville, KY, Juanita Johnson of Bardstown, KY; three sisters: Christine Freeman of Trotwood, OH, Maggie Lewis of Paris, KY, Nancy Thompson of Dryden, VA; two brothers: George Joseph of London, KY, Gary Joseph of Harlan, KY; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; three grandchildren (with one arriving in September); two sons-in-law: Wayne Taylor and Jerry Williams; as well as a host of extended relatives and friends.

Visitation for Mr. Joseph will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00PM. The funeral service will be held Friday, August 18, at 12:00 noon with Reverend Matthew Ferrell, Jasper's grandson, officiating. Jasper will be laid to rest beside his wife, Lola, at the Harlan County Memorial Garden, in Tremont, KY, with the Harlan County Honor Guard performing military rites. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Jasper Joseph.