Joe Lyerla

Joe Lyerla, 66, of Jonesboro, died at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, at his home.

He was born on June 5, 1950, in Anna, the son of Milas Edward and Zula Fay Smith Lyerla.

He married Velma Brim on Sept. 26, 1970, in McClure. She preceded him in death on Jan. 20, 2001.

He is survived by his son, Joseph Hank Lyerla of Jonesboro; a daughter, Carla Garrett of Dongola; a stepdaughter, Clarissa Poole of Carbondale; grandchildren Dylan, Austin, Kassidy and Wyatt Lyerla, Micki Jo (Chris) Woods, Brett, Molly and Makayla Swink; a step-grandson, Demontre Perkins; one great-grandchild, Sophia Rose Woods; brothers and sisters Louise Hyde of Tennessee, Lynda (Jim) Mosby of Elgin, Shirley (Gordan) Myers of Aurora, Milas Richard (Linda) Lyerla of Columbus, Ohio, Elaine (Steve) Shepard of Cape Girardeau, Jim Lyerla of Anna and Carolyn (Scott) Ury of Anna; a brother-in-law, Ronnie Casey of Keithsburg; nieces and nephews; cousins; other relatives and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Velma Lyerla; a daughter, Tonya Louise Lyerla; and a sister, Bonnie Casey.

He worked many years as a skilled carpenter. He was an avid fisherman; he dearly loved his grandchildren and spending time with them.

Graveside services for Mr. Lyerla were at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Anna City Cemetery, with the Rev. Billy Carter officiating. Interment was in the Anna City Cemetery.

A celebration of life was held at the VFW Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 in Anna immediately following the graveside service.

Memorials can be made to the family or to the American Cancer Society.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.