Joe Hanes from Kinderhook, IL, 82 years, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010 at his residence near Kinderhook.  Joe was born in Claremore, OK on May 6, 1927 to Charles and Leticia Skidmore Hanes.  He married Vernadine White in 1949 in Peoria, IL and she survives.

Joe was a bridgeman, and worked for American Bridgeman and various local ironworkers unions.  He was a Major Connector while working on the 5 ½ mile Mackinaw suspension bridge in Michigan where he was credited with saving 5 co-worker’s lives and various others throughout his career. His last major project before retiring was the new Quincy Bayview bridge.  In addition to ironworking he owned and farmed two farms near his home for 50 years.  He was a US Navy veteran serving in WWII.  Joe was also a member of the NRA, and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish.  Joe was a man’s man and a man of God.  He was a member of the Hannibal Assembly of God and the Family Worship Center in Atlas.

Survivors include his wife, Vernadine, 2 sons; Joe (wife Nettie) Hanes, Jr and Jonathan Hanes both of Rockport, IL and 2 daughter; Rita Jo (husband James) Baker of St. Peters, MO and Bonnie (husband Marvin) Cox of Prosper, TX.  12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren survive along with a brother, Philip Hanes of CA and a sister, Phyllis Armstrong of Claremore, OK.  He was preceded in death by 8 brothers and sisters.

Services will be held on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 10 am at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry with Marvin Cox and James Baker officiating.  Interment will be at Park Lawn Cemetery in Danvers, IL near Bloomington at 3 pm Monday.  Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 pm Sunday evening at the funeral chapel in Barry.  On-line condolences may be left at www.nieburfh.com