Joseph William Hardesty

Joseph William Hardesty, 63, of Owensboro, passed away September 6, 2025. He was born in Evansville, IN of January 26, 1962. He was also preceded in death by his faithful companion, Oreo; grandmother, Rena Rumage; son, Jordan Hardesty; biological parents, Joseph Shephard and Ann Hazlett; adoptive parents, Hugh and Mary Hardesty; sisters, Mary Lea Brown and Edwina Sloan.

Joe was the kind of guy who remembered your birthday, your dog’s name, and your favorite snack and he probably brought all three to your doorstep along with a bad pun. He loved to grow plants and had vines that could engulf a home.

Joe was a protector by nature and had a sweet side with a kind heart. His family was most important and that showed through the love he freely gave to those around him.

But it was on eight wheels that Joey truly came alive. Decked out in vintage skates, or the newest shoes on wheels, he could dance circles around anyone at the rink. He believed roller skating was the perfect metaphor for life: you fall, you laugh, you get back up, and maybe do it all to the beat of Donna Summer.

He was known for giving the kind of advice you didn’t always want to hear, but definitely needed to. Blunt, honest, and usually wrapped in a joke, his words cut through the noise and hit straight to the heart. All in all, Joe wanted people to smile, enjoy the lighter side of life, and be a good friend and neighbor to everyone around him.

Joe is survived by his husband, Andre Green and their fur baby, Hershey; child, Jo Beth (Richard) Mathews; grandchildren, Denton Hardesty, Jayce Thompson, Emilynn Hardesty, Kaylee Mathews, Brentley Duff, Berkleigh Hardesty, Blake Mathews, Waylon Hardesty, Maverick Hardesty, and Kippton Hardesty; sister, Jo Ann French; nieces, Amber Payne and Jenna Tobbe and nephews, Steve (Jenna) Hardesty and Ben Hardesty.

Visitation for Joe will be Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. The funeral service will be private.

Messages and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com.