Joseph A. Eirhart

Joseph Eirhart, 80, of Fulton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Joe was the son of Joseph and Marvel Eirhart. He grew up in Savanna, IL where he graduated in 1965.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, mostly stationed overseas in Europe. He achieved the rank of Specialist 5 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After his service he returned to Europe to work for the European Stars and Strips Newspaper that was distributed to the military.

A man of many talents and an entrepreneurial spirit, Joe led a vibrant and diverse career. Locally, he was a well-known businessman, having owned and operated several businesses including the Savanna Times Theater in the 1970s. He was the District Manager over Circulation for Clinton Herald Newspaper in the 80’s & 90’s and continued to share his love for music with the community by repairing and tuning instruments for Benders Music store in Clinton, Iowa.

In the 99’ he received his Associates Degree in Computer Operations from M.A.T.C – Truax and went on to work with computer mainframes for Dean Health Systems in Madison, Wisconsin.

Above all his professional pursuits, music was Joe's enduring passion. A gifted musician who could play multiple instruments, he was a member of the band "The Kasuals" in his younger years and once was asked to fill in for a missing bass guitarist at a concert with band “The Ventures.”

Joe married Kelly Scott in Fulton, Illinois. Though they recently made it official, their enduring life together spanned over 25 years.

Joe’s is survived by his wife, Kelly; mother-in-law, Joan Scott; in-laws, Shawn (Joyce) Scott; stepson, Matthew (JamiLei Enderle) Scott; two beloved step-granddaughters, Hannah and Hailey; sister, Connie (Bill) Mason; nephew, Jeffrey (Kara) Freeman; great nephews Troy, Lucas and Kyle; cousin Cheryl Bouland; close friend Dorthe Leaven; and forever brother-in-law Ron Hastings

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Lyle Spraggins; and his father-in-law, Bill Scott.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m..