Joseph Hays "Joe" Wirth, age 71

August 9, 1949– March 6, 2021

Joseph Hays "Joe" Wirth age 71, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 6:18 PM – Saturday, March 6, 2021, at HSHS St Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

A service celebrating Joe's life will be held at 3:00 PM – Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Rick Britton officiating.  Visitation will be held 2 hours before the service.  In loving memory of Joe, memorials may be made to the Jasper Post #20 American Legion – Veterans Christmas.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

Joseph Hays, better known by his family and friends as "Joe" was born on August 9, 1949, the son of Claude and Katherine Rose (Hays) Wirth.

Joe served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a member of the Jasper Post #20 American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7537, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 4475 and the Meadowview Golf Courses.

Joe worked for the State of Illinois with the Department of Transportation for 34 years and 7 months.  After his retirement he went to work for Dirtbuster Car Wash and worked for several years.

Joe was an avid golfer and loved to watch sports.  He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini.

Joe is survived by:

Children – Joshua (wife Pat) Wirth of Newton, Illinois and Travis Wirth of Champaign, Illinois

Grandchildren – Dakota Wirth, Cheyanne Kodat and Justen Guindon

Brother – Jim (wife Jeannie) Wirth of Newton, Illinois

Sister - Janie (husband Bradley) Buchanan of Bridgeport, Illinois

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.