Joe V. Stephens

Mr. Joe V. Stephens, age 78, of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Monroe County Medical Center, surrounded by family. Joe was born in Tompkinsville on June 22, 1947, a son of the late George W. and Pauline (Williams) Stephens. He graduated from Tompkinsville High School in 1965, and married Jo Rita Anderson on September 21, 1977. Joe served as Monroe County Jailer and was the founder of J. Stephens Construction. He was a member of the Tompkinsville First Baptist Church, and an avid UK Basketball Fan, Joe loved spending time with his family at the lake, and farming and riding four wheelers along side the boys.

Joe is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Jo Rita (Anderson) Stephens, two sons, Jarrett Stephens and wife Amanda, and Brooks Stephens and wife Michaela, three grandchildren, Sloan Stephens, Lakelyn and Thad Stephens. One sister, Mary Nell McCleod, of Lexington, mother-in-law, Joan Anderson, brother-in-law, Kerry Anderson and wife Kim, one sister-in-law, Gene Stephens, of Glasgow along with a host of nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, George W. and Pauline Stephens, he was preceded in death by one brother, Wallace Stephens, and his father-in-law, Billy Joe Anderson.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Bartley & Sons Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, with burial to follow in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Bro. Deven Smith and Bro. Darrick Proffitt will officiate the services.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning after 6:30 a.m. until the service time at 12:00 noon.

Pallbearers: Kenny Emmert, Benny Simpson, Mark Hurt, Clifford Stephens, Wes Stephens, and Kerry Anderson

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tompkinsville First Baptist Church in memory of Joe.

Bartley & Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Joe, and his family at this time.