Joseph W. “Joe” Eagleson, Sr.

CONTINENTAL – Joseph W. “Joe” Eagleson, Sr., of Continental, passed away at 1:52 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born on August 24, 1940, in Wood County, to the late David and Nancy (Cotterman) Eagleson. On May 14, 1960, he married Carol Jo Elston, she preceded him in death on April 19, 2004. He then married Mary Jane Recker on July 9, 2015, she survives in Continental.

Joe is also survived by six children: Pete Thatcher of Findlay, Joe (Mel) Eagleson, Jr. of Defiance, Natalie (Rick) Butler of Leipsic, Dean (Diane) Eagleson of Continental, Bob (Otto) Eagleson of Wren, and Melinda (Dan) Chamberlain of Leipsic; three step-children: Scott Lambert of Michigan, Chad (Kelly) Lambert and Jaci Knott, both of Kalida; thirteen grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; twenty six great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; a sister: Shirley Kelly of Belmore; in-laws: John (Diana) Recker of Kalida, Joyce (Don) Giesige of Ottawa, Ron (Roxy) Recker of Defiance, Tom (Nancy) Recker of Lima, Joan Schroeder of Columbus Grove, Don (Brenda) Recker of Glandorf, and Judy (Joe) Solomon of Columbus Grove.

He is preceded in death by siblings, Betty (Owen) Rayle, Donald Eagleson, Robert Eagleson,  Richard (Marceen) Eagleson, Albert Eagleson, LaVoid Eagleson, Ruth Eagleson, and Gladys Eagleson; a grandson and a great-grandson, and a brother-in-law, Nick Schroeder.

Joe worked for Philips, Ottawa for 37 ½ years. He had also worked at Hirtzel Canning, Ottawa for over 10 years. Joe enjoyed fishing and canoeing down the creek. He loved spending time with family.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa with Deacon Dave Maas officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday and again Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com