Joseph Elbert Seay, age 91, passed away on April 26, 2026 at NERMC under Hospice care. He was born on May 11, 1934, in Joplin, Missouri the son of Jasper and Georgia (White) Seay.

On May 3, 1955, in Novinger, Missouri, Joseph was united in marriage to Joanne Ellsworth. She preceded him in death after 63 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, one sister, and one great-granddaughter.

Joseph is survived by his two daughters, Linda (Mike) Brummit of Kirksville, MO and Melissa (Rick) Kostoff of Grand City, IL; two sisters-in-laws, Norma Robison and Faye Sallade both of Kirksville, MO; brother-in-law, Dean Ellsworth and wife Diane of Texas; three granddaughters, Kristin (Justin) Sanders, Teresa (Chris) Dunn, and Lindsey (Benton) Fraser; and four grandsons, Jason (Versha) Munshi-South, Matt (Sam) South, Nick Hall, and Chris (Jenny) Hall. He is also lovingly remembered by many great-grandchildren and a step granddaughter, Rikki Lynn Kostoff.

Joe graduated from Joplin High School in 1952. During the 1960s and 1970s, Joseph worked as a parts manager at Updyke Motor Company. He later worked as a bus driver for Weber Bus Company, where he drove students with special needs

In his spare time, Joseph enjoyed bowling, hunting quail and pheasant, and raising dogs. He was a devoted member of Hamilton Street Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and led singing during the 1960s and 1970s. His faith remained an important part of his life, and he continued as a member of the church until his passing.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Shibley's Point Cemetery in Novinger, Missouri, with Pastor Virgil Jones officiating. No public visitation will be held.

Memorial donations in memory of Joseph may be made to Special Olympics of Northeast Missouri and may be left or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.