Reverend Joe L. Grant, 70, of Springfield, Missouri went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, while peacefully sleeping in his home.

Joe was born August 11, 1950, in Hillsboro, Illinois, son of Robert and Mary (Gum) Grant. He married Catra Donaldson on March 10, 1973, in San Diego, California.

A graduate of Lanphier High School, Joe followed his father’s example and joined the Navy in March of 1971.  He served aboard the USS Henry W. Tucker as Boatswain’s mate, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged in March of 1976.

Joe proudly spent several years as an ironworker as part of Ironworkers local 46 in Springfield, Illinois.  He helped build many of the bridges and buildings local residents are familiar with including the Prairie Capital Convention Center and the Sangamon County Complex.

While he was incredibly proud of both of these careers, Joe found his true calling as a servant to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus.  He started preaching the gospel in 1984 and was a veteran of numerous street evangelism campaigns.  As an ordained minister through Full Gospel Churches International, he founded Lord of the Harvest Christian Center and served central Illinois for 30 years.  Though he retired from the ministry in 2017, he was an evangelist at heart and never stopped sharing the gospel.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Catra Grant; his precious daughter Shannon (Scott) Matheis; his son Robert (Debby) Grant; his adored granddaughter Kyleigh Matheis; sisters Bobbi (Robert) Beggs and Shelly (Shahrom) Jahanshir; his aunt Clara Osbourne; his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He has joined those preceding him in death: his father and mother, Bob and Mary Grant; his sisters Gayla Meneghetti and Trudy Ayappa; his brother Kevin Grant.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri.  Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m.  A private graveside service for friends and family will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.