Joseph “Joe” Allen Armstrong

Joseph “Joe” Allen Armstrong, 85, passed away March 5, 2026, at Hilltop Nursing Home in Beloit, Kansas. He was born April 25, 1940, in Hedville, Kansas, to Bob and Ruth (Mortimer) Armstrong. On May 3, 1959, at just 19 years old, he married the love of his life, Veta Base.

After graduating from Brookville High School, Joe followed his lifelong love of the land and cattle. A lifelong resident of Hedville, he raised his family while continuing the Armstrong family farm. He proudly farmed alongside his son and grandson until 2025. You could often find him in a piece of equipment or at the shop, always ready to welcome anyone for a good conversation.

Joe was an avid reader who enjoyed hunting, watching K-State football, cheering for the Kansas City Royals, and playing a good game of cards. However, his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He even got the joy of meeting his great great-granddaughter.  

He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Veta, of the home; daughter Rhonda (Gary) Bacon of Barnard; son J.W. (Lisa) Armstrong of Brookville; grandchildren Jami (Darin) Simmons, Kate (Kashayla) Armstrong, Cody (Kaylene) Bacon, and Ross (Erin) Armstrong; great-grandchildren Mallorie, Madison, Jayce, Rylan, Kayah, Cordell, Canter, Allison, Eloise, and Paisley; and great-great-granddaughter Haegen. He is also survived by his siblings Robert Armstrong and Charlene Walker.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Mary Laas, Jennie Shaver-George, Elaine Bacon, Shirley Clanton, Betty Harden, Fern Bledsoe, and Kay Lebert; and his grandchild Jessica Armstrong.

Visitation, where family will receive guests, will be held Sunday, March 8, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Ryan Mortuary. Burial will follow the service at Bavaria Cemetery in Bavaria, Kansas. A luncheon will immediately follow at Tumblweed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Culver United Methodist Church or Bavaria Cemetery, in care of Ryan Mortuary.

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