Mr. Joe Tom Haltom passed away Friday, July 2 at the Stilley House Senior Living in Benton. Haltom was the owner of Haltom Construction and later co-owner of Quality Construction, longtime board member and former chairman of the board of the Bank of Marshall County, patrolman with the City of Benton, a two term Marshall County Sheriff, and a longtime supporter and board member of the Marshall County Exceptional Center.
He secured, helped purchase the land, and was influential in the construction of the new Marshall County Hospital and medical office building on Symsonia Highway. A great philanthropist, he was a major contributor to the new pool house project in Benton, Meals on Wheels and bussing kids in to local churches for meals and worship services.
Haltom was presented the Capstone Award by the Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce and was named a Kentucky Lake Ambassador for his contributions to civic and service organizations in Marshall County. He was also a Kentucky Colonel and a 69 year member of the Briensburg-T.L. Jefferson Lodge No 401 F&AM, served as the Grand Marshal for the 170th Tater Day parade and was presented a Key to the City of Benton.
He honorably served his country during World War II in the Merchant Marines and was a lifelong member of Church Grove United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 7th at Collier Funeral Home in Benton. Interment will be in Haltom Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 7th at the funeral home.
The family asks that memorial contributions be given in Joe Tom’s memory to the Marshall County Exceptional Center, P.O. Box 423, Benton, KY 42025.