Joe Frank O'Cull

 On March 19, 2024, Joe Frank O’Cull, age 83, was peacefully taken from his earthly life at his home in Murray, Kentucky, into the eternal presence of his Savior Jesus Christ.

            Joe was born December 3, 1940, in Mason County, Kentucky, the next youngest of ten children to parents, George O’Cull and Grace Thomas O’Cull.  He was graduated from Orangeburg High School, Morehead State University summa cum laude, and Kentucky Christian College.  

            Proudly serving his country, he spent much time in Berlin, Germany, during the Vietnam War.  A dedicated member of the local American Legion Post #73, he was recognized as the oldest Army Veteran present at the 2023 Veterans Day Celebration.  His love of riding his motorcycle allowed him to be a part of the motorcycle brigade which escorted the mobile Vietnam Wall as it was transported across the United States.  In 2016, he was among the privileged veterans to experience the HONOR FLIGHT to Washington, DC, and appropriately acknowledged for their contribution and dedication to his country.

            Having been ordained by the Christian Church, his ministry included areas of Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, where he also assisted in disaster recovery following Hurricane Katrina. His last work was with the Corrections Department of Ohio and Kentucky.  As the Chief Chaplain at Kentucky State Penitentiary, Eddyville, Kentucky, he was an endeared support and influencer to both the staff and inmates, particularly those on Death Row.

            Joe loved his family dearly. His stepson, William Jeremy Spann; sister-in-law, Betty Moreland; and brother-in-law, Doris Jones, preceded him in death.  Those remaining include, Helen Spann-O’Cull of Murray, Kentucky who has been his wife and caregiver; admired stepson, Rickie Dale Spann of Murray, Kentucky; his cherished grandson, Mason Spann of Murray, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Shirley Jones Green (Tom) of Cadiz, Kentucky; and two brothers-in-law, Harrel Crutcher (Jean) Dry Ridge, Kentucky and Ed Moreland of Wingo, Kentucky.

            Others who have gone on before him include his parents as well as two brothers, George O’Cull Jr. (Lena) and Edmond Clinton O’Cull (Ethel Mae); three sisters, Eileen O’Cull Reid (Virgil), Geneva O’Cull Reed (Dewey), and Phyllis Gerene O’Cull Campbell (Bill).  Surviving siblings include three sisters, Norma Lee O’Cull May (Roscoe) of Vanceburg, Kentucky, Anna O’Cull Harover (Joe Farmer) of Lexington, Kentucky, Garnet Marie O’Cull Trimble (Shelby) of Maysville, Kentucky; and brother, Henry Milton O’Cull (Linda) of Maysville, Kentucky.  

            A memorial service and time of sharing memories will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., CST., in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Joe Hampton and Rev. Kerry Lambert officiating.  Visitation will be held Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CST., in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Entombment and military honors will be held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Kentucky at a later date.

            In lieu of flowers, Joe had requested memorial contributions be made to Oakwood Church of Christ, 7178 Polecat Pike, Maysville, Kentucky 41056, American Legion Post #73, 310 Bee Creek Dr, Murray, Kentucky 42071, or the charity of your choice.

            Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com