Published on February 26, 2026 7:03 am
Last Updated on February 26, 2026 7:03 am
Joseph Paul Carlen left his earthly home on February 24, 2026, with family by his side. Joe was born February 13, 1960, to Floyd “Podger” and Lydia (Cox) Carlen.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday February 28, 2026, at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup. Visitation will be on Friday February 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at the funeral chapel. The burial will be in the Jack Oak Cemetery in Greenup. The Barkley Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Joe attended Cumberland Schools and the Pioneer school briefly. He graduated high school in 1979 and began working at CCAR in Charleston shortly after. He worked there for 30 years and served on their board as well.
Joe loved everything sports-related, especially the St Louis Cardinals. Most people knew him by his love of the Cardinals, whether they agreed or not. He could tell you statistics from decades before, or what players he remembered. He also enjoyed Illini and Cumberland sports and always liked to watch any sport that was on.
Joe was a member of Jack Oak Church of God his whole life. He served the Lord by singing his heart out every week, serving as Sunday School song-leader. He knew the hymn number of just about any song you could think of.
Joe never let his Down’s Syndrome hold him back. He was always one of the happiest people you would see, hugging anyone from family to strangers and everyone in between.
Joe loved everyone he met and was blessed to have a large family. He is survived by sisters Sally (Julian) Huffman of Toledo, Carol Vaughan of Greenup, Cheryl Nation of Oblong, Joyce Carlen of Copperas Cove, TX, and brother Rev. Floyd (Angie) Carlen, Jr. of Princeton, NC. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Lisa (Dan) Cole of Toledo; Matthew (Daniel Brock) Ervin of Austin, TX; Daniel Huffman of Toledo; Steve Ervin of Copperas Cove, TX; Chris (Krista) Carlen of Harrisburg, PA; Kimberly (Christian) Shoultz of Vincennes, IN; Diana (Frank) Gallucci of Clayton, NC; Bart Nation of Oblong, and Michelle (Colby) Peters of Greenup. He is also survived by one aunt, Mildred Carlen of Toledo. He also leaves several great-nieces and nephews, one great-great-nephew, one great-great-niece, cousins, and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his parents and brothers in law, Paul Vaughan and Ken Nation, and niece Katrina Nation.
Memorials can be made to the Jack Oak Church or to Special Olympics Illinois: 605 East Willow Street Normal, IL 61761.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com