Joel Franklin Gittings

Joel Franklin Gittings, son of the late Arlo Dean Sr. and Cora Frances (Robinson) Gittings, was born on May 11, 1957 in Tecumseh, Michigan, and passed away on November 22, 2007 in the Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, following a long illness. He was 50 years, 6 months, and 11 days of age.
Joel grew up in Michigan and graduated from Tecumseh, High School in 1974. He served his country in the United States Army in 1975 and 1976.
He was united in marriage to Evelyn Kuhn on March 16, 1980 in Mansfield, Missouri. Eight children were born to this union. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially when hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed watching football and was involved with the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scout.
Joel was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He looked forward to spending time with his children and grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Evelyn Gittings; one brother: Thomas Gittings; and by an infant sister: Lakrisha.
He is survived by his five sons: Keith Gittings, John Gittings and his wife, Ashley, Michael Gittings, Stephen Turner and his wife, Tina, and Billy Turner, all of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; four daughters: Frances Delp of Seymour, Missouri, Christina Stubbs and her, husband, Shaun of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, Joyce Turner and Rebecca Turner, both of Hartville, Missouri; two brothers: Matt Gittings of Waldron, Arkansas, and Dean Gittings of Austin, Texas; four sisters: Cora Coby and Sandy Goff, both of Springfield, Missouri; Judy Somers of Denver, Colorado, and Jane Dennis of Springfield, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friend who will miss him very much.


Graveside Services:
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:00 AM in the New Hope Cemetery
Visitation:
Monday, November 26, 2007 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel
Burial:
New Hope Cemetery