Joe L. Ruhl

SIKESTON -- Joe Louie Ruhl, age 82, of Sikeston, passed away at his home at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2016.

Joe was born Sept. 28, 1933, in Vanduser, to John Garret William Ruhl and Lillie Adabelle Beavers Baugher Ruhl.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Henry Ruhl; half brothers, Clinton and Adrian Baugher; half sister, Juanita Baugher Reeves; and grandson, Kevin Thomas Robison.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Dorothy Slaughter Ruhl of the home; five daughters, Barbara (Mike) Britt of Excelsior Springs, Marilyn (Michael) White of Piedmont, Judy (Tom) Robison of Nixa, Debbie (Mark) Hill of Ozark and Carolyn (Mark) Asmus of Oran; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; in addition to nieces and nephews.

Joe served in the United States Army from 1954-56 and was stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where he worked in the transportation unit. Most of his life was spent in the trucking industry as owner of Joe Ruhl Trucking Inc. He served as President of the Missouri Dump Truckers Association from 1975-1978. In addition to the trucking business, he, with his wife, owned and operated McMullin Grocery, R & W Lime and Joe Ruhl Ag Lime.

In retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively in their motor home, even serving as "tail-gunner" for one of two trips to Alaska. Joe attended Old Bethel Baptist Church of Sikeston.

Visitation will be held at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 followed the next day, Friday, by a funeral service at 10 a.m. The Rev. Steve Vester, pastor of Old Bethel Baptist Church, will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston with full military honors.

At the request of Joe, all of his grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Brad Hill, Derek Hill, David Asmus, Scott Hill, Aaron Robison, Lee Britt and Sean Robison. Kevin T. Robison is an honorary pallbearer.

Paid obituary