Joseph Richard Garr was the oldest of four children born to Charles and Viola (nee Fitzgerald) Garr on June 5, 1930, in Boyle County, Ky. He received his early education in a one-room country schoolhouse in Wilsonville, Ky.

In 1948, Joseph, fondly known as Joe dropped out of high school and enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country for four years seeing combat in the Korean Conflict where he was wounded.

In 1952, Joe was honorably discharged and awarded a purple heart for his service. He returned to complete his schooling at The Akron Night High School where he graduated and went on to earn a degree from the University of Akron.

Joe met the love of his life, Frances Louise Smith in Akron. The couple were married on February 14, 1953. He came to Cincinnati in 1957, so he could attend the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. After graduation, Joe and Louise decided to make the city their home.

A Kentucky boy at heart, he moved his family to Covington in 1960, where he opened the Garr-Overstreet Funeral Home.

In 1961 and 1963, he became the first Black man to run for political office in Northern Kentucky campaining to become Covington City Commissioner. While he did not win either election, he succeeded in his goal of getting Black Americans politically engaged and to the polls to vote.

Joe felt called by Christ and in September he was ordained at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. He became the pastor of Macedonia later that year. He led the the congregation for more than 40 years.

In 1970, he opened the Joseph R. Garr Funeral Service at 930 Findlay St in the West End. Rev. Garr ran this successful family owned and operated funeral home until he retired in 2016, and the business became known as Walker Funeral Home.  Joseph R. Garr and Herb Walker Jr were friends from the West End.  In 2017, The Ohio Funeral Directors Association recognized him for 50 years of service to his community.

Rev. Joseph R. Garr leaves an incredible legacy where his memory will be cherished by his five children Richard L. Garr, Ava D. Garr, Kevin D. Garr, Courtnee (Doug) Garr Frimming, and Tien (Latasha) Morgan and a host of adored grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is preceeded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frances Louise Garr, and his siblings William Garr, Geraldine Lincoln, and Katherine Roberson.

Funeral service 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, at New Nazarene Baptist Church, 631 DeVotie Street, Cincinnati.

He was laid to rest with full military honors at Dayton National Cemetery.

Rev. Clarence Glover directed the funeral.