Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Joseph Brock STEARNS

About

Oldham County High School University of Kentucky

Joseph STEARNS Obituary

STEARNS Joseph Brock, 63 of Lexington, KY, passed away Wed, Jan 18, 2012. Born on Aug 6, 1948, Joe grew up in LaGrange on his family farm. He was the son of the late Dr. Joseph Tipton Stearns, DVM and Winnifred Brock Stearns. He was a graduate of Oldham County High School and the University of Kentucky. He was the proprietor and owner of the High on Rose bar and restaurant in Lexington during the 1970s. Kentucky poets, writers and musicians played at High on Rose which was also the first restaurant in Lexington to offer Mexican cuisine as well as local Kentucky favorites such as the Doc Burger and Winn's Rueben. Joe is survived by his sisters, Nancy Stearns Theiss (Jim Theiss) and Susan Stearns Wolfe (Joe Wolfe). He loved his nieces and nephew: Dana Harmer, the late Sara Belle Suzanne Papp, Jessie Theiss Gray (Denny Gray) and Jimmy Dan Theiss. Joe had many friends and cousins who loved him. The family is especially grateful to Joe's extended family, Dave Merritt, who was of great support for Joe during the past few years. Joe loved to write, read and listen to music. He was a story teller who was a great observer of human behavior. He enjoyed the art of conversation and could always make strangers smile and laugh. A memorial service for Joe's family and friends will be held at the Oldham County History Center, 106 N. Second Ave. on Jan 28 at 1pm with a reception to immediately follow. All are welcome to attend. The family has chosen cremation and there will be a private burial at Cave Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Joe's memory be made to the Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria, Lexington, KY 40504, Attn: Donations. Oldham County Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph STEARNS

15 Entries

Lynn Swisher

January 31, 2012

Wow, I thought I felt a rift in the force last week. Joe Stearns was one of the 1st friends I made when I hit Lexington in the summer of 79. He came to my house that year on Christmas night to invite me to a party at High on Rose and left a note in my door, but I was working the 6pm-2am shift at Gen. Tel. so I missed the party!! He knew I was away from my family for the 1st time ever and at Christmastime, and he was going to make sure I wasn't all alone. He came over when my mom and brothers came in to help me fix my car that next week, and he met them. There was Joe in shorts and bandana in the cold winter weather with all that red hair! He made a great impression, because he stayed and we all talked for a few hours. He was a great friend to me back then and when I ran into him some 15 years later at Cheapside, he still remembered me. Get this, he was wearing a suit and a dress coat and his red hair was still red, but cut short. But, inside he was the sdame ol' Joe. Joe, if you run into my mom in heaven, give her a hug for me. I love you and will remember you always, all the great times at High on Rose (I still have my t-shirt). God Speed, Good man. You will be missed.~ 'Margaret from Pittsburg'

Erin O'Donnell

January 30, 2012

He is an unforgettable guy who presided over the halcyon days of High on Rose. His ribald sense of humor was hilarious! He was generous and thoughtful like the time he pulled $300 in cash out of the register and put it in may hand with only the good faith I would pay it back.

Jan Cooper Haynes

January 30, 2012

To Joe-A man who could light up a room with his laugh. The world is a darker place without you in it. I'm sure you and John are together, have a pitcher on me.

Phyllis Priest Roberts

January 28, 2012

I will never forget Joe Brock's infectious laughter. He had a way of using words and telling stories that had everyone laughing within minutes of entering a room. RIP Joe Brock

oscar rice

January 27, 2012

In 1974 , used to go into the High on Rose cantina, and remembered the wrestlers who came in before and after their matches across the street, great conversations in this bar with the staff, ....good food and good times....RIP My friend JOE

January 27, 2012

we had the best of times. what a great friend. Dutch Roberts

January 26, 2012

So long, old friend, ...Say howdy to Timmy Z. Stevie S. Bad Bill K. & Miss Ella.

Buzz Lail

January 26, 2012

Joe was a rare man, he treated everyone as equals, his equals. Sorry to hear of his death.

Susan Schweder Bell

January 26, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a good hearted person. His laugh is etched in my memory.

P and T Summers

January 26, 2012

You enriched our lives and laughed with us through many not so easy times.

We will miss your presence in the world.

Connie Fugate

January 26, 2012

Was sad to learn of Joe's passing. I worked for him briefly at High on Rose, then got married there in 1985. Rest well, Joe.

Pat McGill

January 26, 2012

I first met Joe at the Paddock Club over 40 years ago. Goodbye, old friend. "Where were you in '72."

Richard LaLoge

January 26, 2012

Joe never met a stranger. He was an original person. RIP
Butch

January 26, 2012

Lexington and the world will be a little more drab without Joe in it.
Rita S. Gatton, Lexington, Ky.

Nancy Ben Grubb

January 25, 2012

Nancy and Susan, I am sorry to read of Joe's passing. I remember the fun times we had at your farm as children. My sincere sympathy.
Nancy Ben Abbott Grubb

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results