Joseph Edwin LaFayette

Joseph Edwin LaFayette

9-30-1947 – 3-10-2025, 77 years old

Joseph Edwin LaFayette, age 77, died on March 10, 2025 at Citrus Health and Rehab Center in Inverness. He was born in West Palm Beach; Joe was the son of the late Delbert and Connie Mae (Cuneo) LaLayette. His father was career U.S. Navy so they were stationed in different places. His parents retired to Istachatta, Florida.

Joe spent some time in Nashville, TN where he pursued a music career. He played guitar, wrote many songs and had demo CD’s made. After a few years, he returned to the Istachatta/Floral City area. Also, Joe was very artistically blessed. He drew futuristic automobiles loved by those that saw his drawings.

He pursued a diversity of occupations during his lifetime. He worked on the railroad. Joe was a Vietnam Veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Navy. He worked on oil rigs, drove taxi cabs, and was a contract painter in the construction industry. The last 20 years before retirement, he was a groundskeeper at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Joe was a member of Istachatta Church of Christ. His greatest devotion was of a religious nature. He loved Jesus, loved telling others about Jesus and sharing that love and his beliefs with everyone he knew and met. When asked how he was doing He’d respond, “Waiting for the trumpet to blow” referring to the second coming.

In addition to his parents, Delbert and Connie Mae, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Warren; sister, Deleen; and nephew, Bret.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; son, Joshua and daughter-in-law, Rebecca; two nieces: Brandy and Lori; and a large extended, loving family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Istachatta Church of Christ Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a potluck to follow. Joe will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, day and time to be determined. The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness FL is assisting the family.