Joe Statler, 63, of Rector, died Friday, Jan. 23, 2004, at his home.

He was born May 25, 1940, in Clay County to Birtlee (Stevens) Statler and the late Barney Statler.

He was retired from Monroe Auto Equipment of Paragould, a lifelong member of the community and a member and deacon of Union Home General Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Carmeleta Holmes Statler, of the home; two daughters and one son-in-law, Rhonda Clayton of Rector and Jodie and Ben Holder of Paragould; his mother, Birtlee Statler of Clay County; three brothers, Jerry Statler of Michigan and Bill Statler and Bob Statler, both of Rector; one sister, Nadine Statler of Little Rock; two grandchildren, a special grandson, Aaron Clayton of Rector, and Valerie Holder of Paragould, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Bro. Kenny Burns, Bro. Futrell Butler and Bro. J.C. Joyner officiating. Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Irby Funeral Home of Rector in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers were Randy Caldwell, Perry Wayne, Bruce Miller, Derek Miller, Chris Holmes and Greg Statler.

Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Owens, Doyle Webb, Curtis Barker, Dennis Wheeler, Bill Pillow, Ivan Smart and Dalton Staggs.