Joel W. Spainhoward

Joel W. Spainhoward, age 78, of Henderson, KY, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by family under the care of Deaconess Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. Born in Henderson, KY on February 9, 1947, Joel was the son of Ethil and Jewell Spainhoward.

He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy. They shared 59 years of marriage together. He cherished his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joel was happiest at his home away from home, Lake Barkley. You could catch him most days with a fishing pole in hand or sitting around a campfire. When not at the lake, he never missed a grandchild's sporting event, birthday or holiday. These are the times he loved most.

In his early years, he worked at his parent's restaurant, then used his gift in drawing as a draftsman, and ultimately retired as an electrician with Local 16 in Evansville, IN.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter Tabatha Spainhoward; sister Kay Tompkins brothers: David, Tommy and Frankie

Joel is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Rickard Spainhoward; their son Darren Spainhoward (Whitney); sister Wanda Lou Tornatta; sister-in-law Jennifer Hester (Leland); grandchildren Alex Spainhoward (Ashley) and Lauren Chavira (Zach); great-grandchildren: Crew Chavira, Estie Chavira, and Beckett Spainhoward; special niece Courtney Hester as well as a host of additional nieces and nephews.

Per Joel's wishes, the family will celebrate his life with a private burial. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to March of Dimes, P.O. Box 5141, Boone, IA, 50950. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com.