Joseph Walter Hoag, 78, lifelong resident of Yates Center, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2026, at Allen County Regional Medical Center in Iola, Kansas.

He was born February 6, 1948, in Yates Center, the son of Leonard Albert and Florence "Marie" (Ralston) Hoag. He graduated from Yates Center High School in 1966.

On November 7, 1966, he entered the United States Navy. He served overseas or at sea for over three years finishing his term on the USS Seadragon. Upon his discharge on August 12, 1970, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He returned to Yates Center and on July 1, 1972, he and Debra Jean Boswell were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yates Center. They became the parents of three children.

Joe worked at the Yates Center Water Department and then Bird and Hanley Oil. He was an over-the-road trucker before going to work driving a truck for Woodson County.

Joe enjoyed the simple things in life and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and telling jokes.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yates Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Priscilla Faye Hughes.

He is survived by Debra, his wife of more than 53 years; his children, Steven J. Hoag and wife Gale, Iola, KS, Mitchel W. Hoag and wife Michelle, Iola, KS, and Jessica J. Fancher and husband Eric, Platte City, MO; five grandchildren, Macie Jean and Chloe Kay Hoag, and Ada Elizabeth, Eli Grady, and Owen Boswell Fancher; siblings, Florence Moots, Kansas City, KS, Alice Anderson, Paso Robles, CA, Bub Hoag (Mike), LeRoy, KS, and Tom Hoag (Ron) Prescott, AZ; several nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Cremation is planned. Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Joseph Hoag from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Yates Center.

After the visitation everyone is invited to a graveside service at 3:15 P.M. at Yates Center Cemetery.