Joseph Michael Chaston, better known as Joe, 83, of Sparta, passed away Nov. 29, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by family.
Joe was born July 8, 1942, in Queens, New York, to Joseph Ignatious and Michaelina Simeaski “Billy” Chaston.
In addition to his parents, he was 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 Tennessee, 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 years, 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, New Jersey, on July 16, 1966. Joe and Ginger had one daughter, two sons, 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great- grandson.
Joe is survived by wife Ginger Lee McLain Chaston; daughter, Michelle Lee Chaston Young (Tony); two sons, 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; eight great- grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one bonus son, Stevie Douse; one niece, Sonia Vaughn; and best friend, Chaz Puppy.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Dec. 6, 2025, at 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 a.m., Dec. 6, at the 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.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
.jpg)
.jpg)
