Joseph Lee Kearney Sr.

Joseph Lee Kearney, Sr., age 57, of Phoenix, Arizona went to meet his personal Savior on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at Honor Health John C. Lincoln Medical Center after courageously battling many health issues over the past few years.

A Celebration of Joe’s Life was held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, at CCV Laveen (Christ’s Church of the Valley) in Phoenix, Arizona, where Joe was actively involved.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Joshua Mortuary Palmdale, 3150 E Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93550. A service will be held Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 3150 E Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93550 with a burial following from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 2200 E Avenue S, Palmdale, CA 93550, where Joe will be laid to rest alongside his mother and his beloved grandparents.

Joseph was born on September 28,1966, son of Thelma Ann Kearney. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles, California and graduated from SFV High School in 1983. After high school, Joe became a Construction Supervisor and Foreman, thanks to an experienced gentleman who took Joe under his wing. His grandparents were very influential in Joe’s life, and he always made time to express his gratitude and love to them.

Joe was married to Lasandra Washington and they raised three sons together. Joe was determined to give his sons their best possible life so he moved his family from California to Chicago, later settling in Des Moines, Iowa. Joe was an avid sports fan and an amazing father to his boys and family, ensuring they "never lacked for nothing".

In Des Moines, Joe was a school bus driver by day and worked overnight as a CNA - his passion was working with individuals with dementia/memory loss. He attended school at DMACC with hopes of becoming an RN, until his life-changing car accident on November 20th, 2003, which left him paralyzed. Seeking a better quality of life, Joe moved to Arizona in 2012. He sported his Dallas Cowboys gear everywhere he went, and enjoyed making connections with any football fan that crossed his path, "How 'bout them Cowboys?!!". Joe spent 10 years working at the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, attending NFL games, Fiesta Bowls, and concerts such as Beyonce and Elton John, as well as spring training events. Joe also worked at the Iowa and Arizona State Fairs, where he was able to laugh, kick back, and enjoy people.

Joe fell in love with Rachelle thirteen years ago and they were married on March 16th, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ so his mother could be in attendance on this joyous day. A larger wedding celebration was held in Iowa amongst family and friends on June 16th, 2018. Joe enjoyed spending time with family and loved ones as often as possible and shared his love for fishing with younger generations, as he passed on his wisdom and love for nature. Joe was an active participant in local fishing derbies, toting kids as well as seniors along, bringing joy to all. Joe took pride in attending Rachelle’s school events and loved taking young men under his wing along life’s way, sharing his knowledge and life experiences as he mentored them. Joe and Rachelle began attending CCV Laveen on opening day three years ago, where they experienced Christ’s love firsthand, became involved in Bible studies, worshipped and embraced their new-found family.

After losing his own mother in 2018, Joe founded a non-profit in her memory, which he named the Kearney Foundation. Joe’s huge heart for others shone through as he embraced those in nursing homes, who were often forgotten during the holidays. His dream was to spread this foundation nationwide, and he hopes that his grandchildren will continue his legacy in his honor, all in the name of love.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Rachelle Kearney; sons Henry and Joseph Jr. (Ardelia) and grandchildren, whom he dearly treasured: Josiah, Alaya, Hemry, Jewlee, Ka’Marii, Jabari, JaKari and Jamari; brothers Robert (Tamara) Ray and Roosevelt “Butch” Sadler; nieces Jamie (Antwan) Colbert and Jazzmin Ray; great nephew LeAndra Lockett, Jr,; special friend Neal Shelton, who was an important father-like figure in Joe's life, & Neal's daughters Erika Brinson & Kim Shelton; father-in-love, Paul (Kim) Grandon; mother-in-love, Connie Markle; sister-in-love, Becca (Ken) Moore, niece and nephew, Jada and Trey; brother-in-love, Reuben (Lara) Grandon; as well as many special aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, and countless friends and neighbors.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Ann Kearney; grandparents Joe & Esther Williams; sister-in-law Pebbles; and son Alonzo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kearney Foundation, in honor of Joe.