Joseph E. Sterrett, 83, of Holton, KS passed away January 12, 2012 at the Holton Community Hospital. He was born September 29, 1928 in Topeka, KS the son of Guy A. and Lucille (Brelsford) Sterrett. He attended schools in Quenemo, Lyndon and Topeka.

Joe served in the United States Marine Corp from 1946 -1948. He worked at Goodyear Tire Company for 27 years and had also worked construction. Following his retirement in 1991, Joe served as a foreman for Laborers for Christ for 9 years.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Optimist Club and American Legion Post #44 all of Holton.

Joe married Madelin "Maddy" Lietz on June 19, 1949 in Alma, KS. She survives. Other survivors include 3 daughters, Sharon Snyder, Cindy Brown (Jim) and Trisha McAlexander (Marty) all of Holton, KS; a sister, Hazel Kemp of Eskridge, KS; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Steven Sterrett on June 2, 1979. He was also preceded by his sisters, Sarah Graham, Dorothy Neill and Helen Sterrett and his brothers, Bill, Bob and Jim Sterrett.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.