Joseph Dirden

Joseph H. Dirden, 74, of Cape Girardeau went home to his Heavenly Father Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Oct. 7, 1946, in Cape Girardeau to Elbert and Geneva Rhodes Dirden.

He and Linda Hedgecorth were married May 28, 1977, at First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Joe was a graduate of Delta High School and received a bachelor in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

He was passionate about his work as a commercial truck salesman at Coad Chevrolet.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, where he sang in the church choir. He was committed to serving the Lord.

Joe loved his dogs and loved to drive, especially Sunday afternoons.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Linda Dirden of Cape Girardeau; two children from a previous marriage, Alicia King of Whitewater and Neil (Jennifer) Dirden of Westminster, Colorado; two children with Linda, Wendy (Brent) Graviett of Cape Girardeau and Bruce (Teem) Dirden of Honolulu, Hawaii; and seven grandchildren, Courtney King, Colin King, Tommy Dirden, Amelia Graviett, Leo Dirden, Ella Graviett and Pavanna Dirden.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Jim Rudolph officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Humane Society of Southeast Missouri or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.