Joe Dell Eddings

Joe Dell Eddings, 88, passed away on May 30, 2023 at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Born on August 31, 1934 in Newton County, Oklahoma; Joe was the third oldest of seven children born to William Chester and Freda Elizabeth Eddings. His family moved to the small town of Seneca, just outside of Joplin, where he grew up and graduated high school in 1952.

Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 during the Korean War where he served as an airplane mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1957. While stationed at a military base in Lincoln, Nebraska, he went on a blind date with Ellen Roxanne Wilcox. Their connection was instant, and the two were married an August 17th, 1957.

He began a lifelong career as a maintenance mechanic at Benjamin Franklin Warehouse for twenty-nine years and continued working for another fifteen plus years at Sysco Foods. Joe's dedication and hard work didn't stop there, as he was always offering to work on cars and various mechanical equipment - free of charge - for his friends and family.

Joe had many hobbies and interests including bowling. He spent many years bowling with both men’s teams and co-ed teams with his wife, played numerous tournament with youth bowlers, and even managed to bowl a perfect 300 game. He could also often be found watching Kansas City Chiefs football and especially enjoyed showing off his favorite quarterbacks signature hairdo headband.

Joe had a larger-than-life personality that always lit up the room whenever he entered it "Strong" is an understatement for this man who could wrap you up in his big "Popeye" forearms and give the biggest bear hugs. Joe's emotional strength was also noteworthy and no matter what struggles or pain he faced he never complained, but instead chose to battle it with the utmost strength.

Joe was survived by his wife of sixty five years, Roxanne; their children, Nancy Hale (Nick Timbush) and Steve Eddings (Dina Hunt); grandchildren, Sean Hale, Cassie Hale, Mandi Eddings, and Joey (Kate) Eddings; great grandchildren, Carter Hale, Camden Hale, Xander Hale, Zoey Hale, Sylis Eddings, Nico Eddings, Lennon Richards, and Wes Richards; many nieces, nephews, friends and his beloved pup, Teddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, with visitation held on June 5th from 5 pm-7pm. The funeral service will be held on June 6th  at 10 am with military honors and graveside service to follow. Contributions may be made to the KU Cancer Center in c/o Esophageal Cancer or to Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care. Joe Dell Eddings touched the lives of so many people and shall be missed deeply by all who knew him.