Joe Ray Salmon, 92 of Springfield, Missouri, passed away January 28, 2021. Joe and his twin brother James Roy were born to Tom and Mary (Taylor) Salmon on May 06, 1928, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Joe graduated from Hector, AR High School and was 1 of 2 surviving classmates. As 1 of 10 children growing up during the depression, he learned the value of hard work and helping others, which he carried through the rest of his life. Joe went to work for Foremost Dairy for 26 years in Lebanon and Springfield, and then Hiland Dairy where he retired 18 years later. Joe, aka "Joe Fish," loved his work and was well known by his customers in the grocery and restaurant industry - with many becoming lifelong friends and more like family.

He was a dedicated member and Board Member of the Ozark Empire Grocers Association, earning many awards. In 2001, he was the first vendor inducted into the Missouri Grocers Association Hall of Fame. He also cherished his work with the Restaurant Association. Whenever there was an event, tradeshow, or golf tournament, Joe was at the helm of "the goody cart." After retiring he couldn't sit still, so he went to work for the next 18 years at One Parkway Place, and finally resigned at the young age of 90. Joe was a member of Wesley Methodist Church, and also a long-time member of the Elks Lodge and a Shriner with Abou Ben Adhem.

Joe was preceded in death by his twin brother Roy; brothers Earl, Bill, Zeke and Gordon; sisters Bethel (Salmon) Dodson, Imogene (Salmon) Fortenberry, Gladys (Salmon) Kimes, and by his former wife and mother of his 2 daughters, Meredith (Merry) Lorance.

Joe is survived by his sister, Pat (Salmon) Breath of Dallas, TX; daughters Julie (Salmon) Rawlings of Springfield and Sheila (Salmon) Nichols and husband Mark of Nixa. Papa Joe, as he was affectionately called, is survived by four grandchildren: Lindsey Flowers and husband Jeff, Lura Thach and husband Jimmy Thach, Taylor Nichols, and Sarah Nichols and two great-grandchildren Valan Thach and Giselle Thach. There will never be another Papa Joe. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, in-laws, and dear friends near and far.

He thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies, the Shady Inn and Gee's East Wind, playing cards, working outside, going to the lake, watching/feeding his birds, Sunday calls with friends and family, reading his westerns and the morning paper, especially the "funnies," with his coffee and snickerdoodle cookies. Joe was known for his huge heart, big smile, and showing his pure joy of seeing someone by clasping his hands around yours and swinging it side to side, or a "firm" yet loving pat on the back, and maybe an expletive or two. Joe never met a stranger and was always there to lend a hand. He was dearly loved and will be missed by so many!

Our paths have crossed, our lives intertwined, our memories we have to share through time. A private family service will be held, with a celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date in both Springfield and Harrison, AR. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either: Ozark Greenways, PO Box 50733, Springfield, MO 65805, 417-864-2015, to create a memorial area on a trail near the Nature Center to enjoy watching the wildlife or striking up a conversation with passersby, or the 20th Century Club - tree fund, 3917 Keener Ln, Harrison, AR 72601, 870-741-2814, to plant majestic maple trees at the beautiful Maplewood Cemetery where Joe will be laid to rest.