Joseph Lyon Stemple

On the afternoon of Friday, August 9, 2024, Joseph Lyon Stemple, 95, joined his Lord and Savior in heaven. 

Joe was born on April 6, 1929, in Thomas, West Virginia, one of thirteen children, to the late Delpha and Claris Stemple. He graduated high school and went on to attend one year of college. After realizing that college was not for him, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served for 20 years. 

Newly enlisted and stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio in August of 1954, Joe met the love of his life, Loretta, where she was working as a car hop. She took his order and accidentally spilled an entire milkshake in his lap. As they say, the rest is history. They were married three months later on November 26, 1954.

During his years of service, Joe worked as a carpenter during the Vietnam War. His final duty station landed him and his family in Warner Robins in 1967. After retiring from the Air Force, Joe worked in the civil engineering field at Warner Robins Air Force Base for another 17 years. After retiring yet again, he worked several other jobs in the area.

Following his final retirement, Joe and Loretta spent their time traveling to all 50 states, hunting down cookie jars at garage sales, hosting elaborate parties with and for their “Circle of Friends,” remodeling houses, volunteering at Christian Social Ministries, working with the Red Cross Disaster Relief, and doting on their grandchildren. 

Joe attended church his entire life and was a long-time member of Evergreen Baptist from 1968- 1987 and Central Baptist 1987- passing. If there was one thing at the age of 95 that he would want you to know, it would be to know and follow Jesus Christ. He lived this mission out every day of his life. 

Joe is preceded in death by his daughter Becky Stemple Curington, his parents, and twelve brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Loretta Johnson Stemple; daughter Theresa Stemple Fraysure (Dr. Paul W. Fraysure Jr.), Jack Curington who was like a son to them and was Becky’s husband during her life here (Peggy); grandchildren Sarah Curington Eno (Robert) of Brunswick, GA; Quintin Curington (Stephanie) of Warner Robins, GA; Paul Winfred Fraysure III (Courtney) of Zebulon, GA; and Dr. Ashley Fraysure of Fairview, TN (Fiancé Travis Roe).

Joe is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, and many other family members and dear friends.

The family would also like to thank Enhabit Hospice, and Georgia Cares for their wonderful care and support.

Visitation with Joe’s family will be Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with the funeral service celebrating his life following at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Following the service, Joe will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in memory of him to Enhabit Hospice, 3920 Arkwright Road Suite 325A, Macon, GA 31210, or Central Baptist Church 1120 Lake Joy Road, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.