Joseph C. Lightner, Jr.

Joseph C. Lightner, Jr., age 90, of Mount Juliet, TN (and formerly from Greenville, PA) passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Joe was born in Grove City, PA on November 12, 1934 to the late Joseph C. Lightner, Sr. and Ethel Lightner. He graduated from Grove City High School & Grove City College with a mechanical engineering degree. Between his sophomore and junior years in college, Joe served two years in the U.S. Army.

For nearly 40 years, Joe worked as a senior railcar design engineer for Greenville Steel Car Company and its successor Trinity Industries and retired in the late 1990’s. Joe was a former member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Greenville and a current member of St. Stephen Catholic Community in Mount Juliet, TN. Joe and his wife Gail moved from Greenville, PA to Mount Juliet, TN in July 2024. Previously, they had spent many winters in Port Richey, FL.

Joe’s favorite hobbies included golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling, flea markets and car shows. He belonged to various golf leagues and went on many cruise vacations. Around the house, Joe enjoyed woodworking, home maintenance, yard work, gardening and watching football.

Joe is survived by his wife of 65 years Gail (Kriley), daughter Debbie Henderson, daughter Nancy Lightner, son Shawn Lightner, son-in-law Don Henderson, son-in-law Dan Gibson, daughter-in-law Amy (Miller) Lightner, grandchildren Derek, Damon, Julie, Daren, Corey and Erin, and great-grandchildren Forrest, Lila, Maddie and Lucy plus numerous other in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by siblings Margaret (Graham), Harold, Howard, Robert and Ken and one grandchild Cameron.

Services:

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM Wednesday, 7/16/25, in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, Greenville, with Fr. Brandon Kleckner, Pastor of the Church, as Celebrant. Greenville VFW Post #3374 Honor Guard will render Military Honors at the conclusion of the Mass. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, 7/16/25, from 11:00 AM until time of Mass in The Gathering Space of the Church. Burial will be in Shenango Valley Cemetery.

Online visitors are welcome to sign the guest book and view a Video Tribute at www.loutzenhiserfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 366-368 S. Main St. Greenville.