Joe Milton Fetterolf III

Joe Milton Fetterolf III, age 68, of Ulysses, Kansas, died Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses. He was born May 7, 1955, in Plainville, Kansas, the son of Joe “Sunny” and Dorothy Loree (McLaughlin) Fetterolf, Jr.

Joe and his sister, Jolene, grew up in Plainville. He married Debra Carter on April 20, 1974, in Liberal, Kansas, and was her best friend for 49 years. He loved his career working in underground utilities. He started operating the backhoe, which he loved, advanced to foreman and retired as general manager in 2005. Jason, Joe’s son, worked with Joe for a time operating a directional bore machine. Joe and Debra had the opportunity to travel with his job visiting over 13 states.

They lived in Ulysses for 13 years, Denton, Texas, for five years before returning to Ulysses in May 2023. Joe was a family man. He was involved with his kids and grandkids activities, enjoyed going to the movies and eating popcorn, and game night with his family. He also could be found playing foosball, cheering on his beloved San Francisco 49ers or listening to his favorite band, Def Leppard. Joe faced every challenge with admirable strength and courage. He was a man of faith and also taught his children the importance of hard work and honesty. He was a true role model, which his family and friends looked up to. If you were in need of anything, job, money or a place to live, Joe opened his home and heart without reservation.

Joe is survived by his wife, Debra of their home; son, Jason Fetterolf of Ulysses; daughter, Jaimie Callaway and husband Michael of Denton, Texas; grandchildren, Candice Roe, Katelyn Stewart, Faith Fetterolf, Kristopher Callaway, and Alia Shaw; and great-grandchildren, Aiden Roe, Josh Roe, Falynn Roe and Cutter Stewart.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Sunny and Loree Fetterolf.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Ulysses with Pastor Kristopher Callaway officiating. Visitation will be held, Friday, July 14, 2023, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 10:00 AM until service time. Memorial contributions may be given to Mental Health Foundation.org in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.