MCLEANSBORO – Billy Joe Ingram, 91, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at his home in McLeansboro. He was born April 21, 1931, the son of Bert & Helen Ingram. On December 10, 1954 he married LaDonna Pauline (Becker) Ingram, who preceded him in death.

Joe was retired from his career as an Ironworker for the Ironworkers Union Local 103 in Evansville, IN. He previously was an oilfield worker, and he was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Korean War. He was also a Master Mason and member of Polk Lodge #137 in McLeansboro, a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and a member of the First Christian Church in McLeansboro.

Joe loved horses – he raised horses, rode horses, and showed horses at shows when he was younger. He enjoyed bird hunting, and he was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.

Joe is survived by a daughter Vicky Wheeler of McLeansboro, granddaughter Amy Seidel (significant other Scotty Bell) of McLeansboro, grandson Cody (and wife Bree) Wheeler of McLeansboro, 2 great-grandchildren: Samantha (and husband Derek) Files and Alex Seidel, 3 great-great-grandchildren: Remington Files, Joscelyn Files, and Benjamin Files, 2 sisters: Rose McDaniel of McLeansboro and Joyce (and husband Bruce) Lowery of McLeansboro, a brother Monty (and wife Sandie) Ingram of McLeansboro, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents Bert & Helen Ingram, wife LaDonna Pauline Ingram, a sister Dolly Ritchie, and a son-in-law Gary Wheeler.

Funeral Services for Billy Joe Ingram will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Bro. Tim Gholson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 am until 11 a.m. Thursday at Gholson Funeral Home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Old Springer Cemetery in Blairsville, IL with military graveside honors provided by the McLeansboro American Legion Post #106 and the Marion, IL Army National Guard Honors Team.

Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.