Joseph Wesley Dearen

Joseph Wesley Dearen, 85, of Louisville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 14, 2020 with his family by his side.  A native of Bardstown KY, Joe graduated from Old Kentucky Home High School in 1952.  He served as Chapter and District President of Future Farmers of America and was elected State Vice-President of FFA his senior year.  Joe played trumpet in the OKHS band and organized a Dixieland Band.  A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, Joe was a life-long Wildcat fan and dedicated alumnus of Farmhouse Fraternity.

Joe married Lunette Barlow in 1955. Upon graduation from UK, he began a successful career in sales with American Cyanamid, Ralston Purina, and PPG Industries, Inc.  While with PPG, he became Regional Sales Manager.  In 1983, Joe was appointed U.S. General Sales Manager headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Over the course of his career, Joe and Lunette lived in North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Georgia, but the Bluegrass State was always home.

After having served twenty-five years with PPG, Joe retired at age fifty-five.  He and Lunette moved back to Middletown, KY.  It was then that Joe developed an interest in and a love for raising and showing miniature horses.  It was a passion they shared for more than twenty years.

Joe was active at Middletown United Methodist Church.  He served as Chairperson of Trustees, President of Tri M Sunday School Class, served as an usher and greeter, and did woodworking for the craft group, which his wife, Lunette chaired for many years. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William G. and Ruth Johns Dearen; his brothers, William H. Dearen and Victor M. Dearen; and his son-in-law, Gary J. Miller.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lunette Barlow Dearen; four children, Mary Ruth Dearen Salley (Randy), Douglas Joseph Dearen (Sandra), Sandra Jean Dearen Miller, and Cynthia Mae Dearen Angel (Dr. Rick); fifteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and many friends.

His funeral service will be 10:00 am Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Middletown United Methodist Church, with burial in Bardstown Cemetery.  Visitation will be 3 – 7 pm Friday, January 17 at Ratterman Brothers East, 12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243.

Memorial contributions may go to Middletown United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

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