Joseph Michael Chaston

Joseph Michael Chaston, better known as Joe, age 83 of Sparta, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at his residence surrounded by family.

Joe was born July 8, 1942 in Queens, New York to the late Joseph Ignatious and Michaelina Simeaski "Billy" Chaston. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister Sonia Vaughn.

Joe was a proud Navy Seal. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he continued to work for the government in various capacities. He then worked out of the Empire State Building, as a meteorologist, mapping routes for ships at sea. After his years of service, he joined his father-in-law, building interstate highways throughout New York State. Joe started his trucking career hauling dynamite from Picatinny Arsenal to military bases in the south. Joe then had the opportunity to drive for UPS, advancing quickly to management in safety. After moving to TN, Joe worked for Averitt Express for many years, retiring only to purchase his own truck and starting his own trucking company. Joe finally retired to pursue his love of serving his community by volunteering as a firefighter and first responder.

Joe met his bride of 59 yrs, Ginger Lee McLain Chaston after spotting her on horseback, training for a competition. He was smitten and the rest was history. Joe and Ginger tied the knot a year later in Delaware, NJ on July 16, 1966. Joe and Ginger had 1 daughter, 2 sons, 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson.

Joe is survived by wife Ginger Lee McLain Chaston, Daughter Michelle Lee Chaston Young (Tony), Joseph Lee Chaston (Jennifer), and Jason Lee Chaston (Holly). Grandchildren Ashley Coon (Ray), Allison Jones, Spencer Young (Trinity Bassham), Savannah Bristow (Brenden), Caitlin Chaston, Joseph T. Chaston (Kaylen Benbenek), Courtney Replogle (Jack), Christen Fesmire (Harrison), Mercedes Chaston ( Aiden Thornton), and Sierra Chaston. 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. 1 bonus son Stevie Douse. 1 niece Sonia Vaughn, Best Friend Chaz Puppy

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, December 6, 2025 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans' Honor Guard will follow in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home. Lewis Carrick and Pastor Garvan Walls will officiate.

Spencer Young, Joseph T. Chaston, Brenden Bristow, Jack Replogle, Harrison Fesmire, Aidan Thorton, Stevie Douse and Smitty Withrow will serve the family as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Cassville Volunteer Fire Department.