Joe Lee McCullah

Joe Lee McCullah, age 89, of Springfield, passed away September 27, 2023. He was born July 23, 1934 in Crane, Missouri, the son of James Charles and Eula Ivon (Earnhart) McCullah. Throughout Joe's life he worked hard. As a youngster he picked strawberries for many years in a commercial setting. He attended Clay Hill School and graduated from Aurora High School in 1952. As a boy he was saved at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Joe worked at Farmers Exchange, was a Disc Jockey and sales Representative for KRMO starting in 1953 and later co-owned radio stations in Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. He joined the Missouri National Guard in 1959.

A long-time resident of Aurora, he was a member of First Baptist Church, was past president of Aurora Lions Club, served on the Aurora School Board, Aurora Economic Development Corporation, OACAC, and Aurora City Council. As a realtor he was on the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors. He was owner of Reliable Real Estate from 1981, then purchased a Century 21 Franchise, which he sold in 2010. He continued selling real estate until 2015. Joe also was a home builder and remodeler from 1976 until 2018.

In 2013 he and Lana moved to Rivercut in Springfield, and joined First Baptist Church Battlefield in 2019.

Joe was a man of many talents and enjoyed helping others. He also enjoyed writing poetry. Every Christmas, Birthday or Anniversary, Lana would find a framed poem somewhere in their home. She gives much thanks to the Lord for the great love she shared with Joe.

Survivors include: His wife of 30 years, Lana (Nokes) Hannah McCullah; two children and their spouses, Greg and Melissa Hannah, of Forsyth, and Jeff and LeeAnn Hannah of Springfield; grandchildren Rebekah Hannah, Payton Hannah and Payton's mother, Sherri; other relatives and many friends including Gregg Bailey and Dean Gautney. His parents and a sister, Mary Lois Kelly preceded Joe in death.

A graveside funeral will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 3, in Maple Park Cemetery, Aurora, with Rev. Ray Smith officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.