Joe Holbrook

1931 - 2025

Joe Holbrook, 94, of Lexington, Kentucky passed away peacefully at the Lexington Country Place Long Term Care Facility on June 1, 2025 with loved ones present. Born in Memphis, Tennessee on February 4, 1931, Joe was the son of the late Julius O'Brien Holbrook and Nettie Harvey Holbrook.

A devoted family man, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years Martha Baker Holbrook, who passed away in 2004. He is survived by his loving life partner of sixteen years, Carolyn Hedger; daughter Martha Jo Holbrook; son R. Lynn Holbrook; grandchildren Caitlin Holbrook Chimienti and Travis Holbrook; and great-grandchildren Lily Jean Holbrook, Atticus Jack Holbrook, and Naomi Jo Chimienti.

Joe lived a life marked by service, innovation, and curiosity. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 as a radar instructor at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Following his military service, Joe began a distinguished career in engineering and technology, working as a Customer Engineer for Edison Electric and IBM in Memphis, Tennessee, before transitioning to a Manufacturing Engineer role at IBM in Lexington, Kentucky. He retired from IBM in 1991, after 36 years of dedicated service.

Outside of his professional achievements, Joe's interests were as broad as they were deep. A lifelong model railroad enthusiast, he enjoyed working with HO scale, O scale, and 1/8-inch live steam trains. He was also a private pilot, an accomplished metalworker, and a skilled craftsman with talents in welding and machining. Joe had a knack for fixing things and took special interest in car air conditioner repair. His technical skills were matched by his dedication to community and faith - he served as the first radio and television committee chairman at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington placing their Sunday morning service on live television… a first in Central Kentucky.

Joe Holbrook will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, sense of humor and storytelling. He leaves behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and service that lives on in all who knew him.

Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2025 beginning at noon and extended until 2:00 PM when Bill Ellis will be officiating the funeral service. There will be a reception to follow.

Services will be at Milward Funeral Directors: 1509 Trent Blvd; Lexington, KY 40515. A private family committal service is scheduled at a later date.

www.milwardfuneral.com