Joe Michael Haven

Carterville - Joe Michael Haven, 75, of Carterville, went to his eternal home to meet his Lord and Savior, on Friday, October 27, 2017, at Herrin Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home, with the Rev. Brad Harlow officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2017, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Carterville, 406 S. Division Street, Carterville, IL 62918 or to the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville, IL 62918. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Joe was born on April 1, 1942, in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, to Carlie C. and Mildred Imogene (Stewart) Haven. He married Carol Ford on December 4, 1971, and together they shared 45 wonderful years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Haven of Carterville; daughters, Tinna (Jason) Stanley and Jodi (Shane) Watts, all of Carterville; the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Jayden and Jenna Stanley and Mason and Haven Watts; sister, Clara C. Schwartz and her sons; and sister-in-law, Rita Ford (A.E. McDaniel).  Joe had many cousins and other relatives in Kentucky. He also had many wonderful friends whom he loved very much including his dearest friends, “The Great 8” who traveled and enjoyed every moment they shared together.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Doug and Freda Ford.

He honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1960-1963.

Joe worked for Consol #5 in DeSoto for many years. He then served as a bus driver for the Carterville Unit #5 school district, retiring in May 2017.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Carterville.

Joe was also an avid fisherman who loved to cheer on the Carterville Lions, the Kentucky Wildcats and the St. Louis Cardinals to victory. However, his absolute favorite past time and greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also loved beating his wife at cards (when she let him).

Joe’s smile and sense of humor will be long remembered by everyone. Our loss is now Heaven’s gain.

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