Joseph "Joe" Wayne Girtman

Joseph "Joe" Girtmen, age 69 of Cobden died on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born July 9, 1951 in Cobden the son of Coy and Dorothy Mae (Little) Girtman. He married JoAnn Jerdon on September 29, 1972 in Cobden. Joe led quite a remarkable, yet ordinary life. Raised in Cobden, he was the very last person to be drafted into the army from Union County during the Vietnam War. He received many awards there. Upon his return, he attended college and became a police officer for Cobden. Eventually, he became Chief of Police in Cobden. Later, he spent a long time working for Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home, then The Village of Cobden where he served as Sexton over the Cemetery.Throughout his life, he met thousands of people. If you were fortunate enough, he would call you a friend. He was a fierce and loyal friend. He would also spend his free time helping many of the elderly in Cobden. He was also a comedian in his own right. His quick witt served him well. It was hard to be around him and not end up laughing at some point.He was a member of the Carrol P. Foster Post 3455 VFW in Anna. Later in life, he devoted most of his time to his wife, children and grandchildren who he would do just about anything for. He will be greatly missed. Especially by his grandchildren. Joe is survived by wife, JoAnn Girtman of Cobden; children, Chris (Brandy) Girtman of Jonesboro, Coy John (Laurie) Girtman of Grand Tower, and Curtis Joe (Ramona) Girtman of Desoto; grandchildren, Anthony Joe, Colyn Trent, Allison Michelle, Kyra Noel, and Riley Thomas Girtman, and Beau Denver and John Walker Williams; siblings, Charles (Sue) Girtman of Willisville, Donna (Wayland) Duty of Cobden, and Judy (Charles) Bolinger of Lansing, MI, Coy Eugene (Kay) Girtman of Pulleys Mill; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister in law, Howard (Marion) Girtman. Graveside Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Friday, August 28, 2020 in the Cobden Cemetery with Rev Kent Bolinger and Rev. Rex Goforth officiating. Interment will immediately follow with Military Rites performed by Carrol P. Foster Post #3455 in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honor Team of Marion. Friends may call from 1:00 pm and until the time of service at 2:00 pm on Friday. Everyone attending will be required to wear face coverings and follow social distance guidelines. Face masks will be provided if you do not have one. Memorials can be made to Autism Society of America. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery and the funeral home. Visitation Service Friday, August 28, 2020,1:00PM-2:00PM Cobden Cemetery Cobden School Road Cobden, Illinois 62920 Memorial/Funeral Service Friday, August 28, 2020,2:00PM Cobden Cemetery Cobden School Road Cobden, Illinois 62920 Cemetery Service Friday, August 28, 2020,2:00PM Cobden Cemetery Cobden School Road Cobden, Illinois 62920