Joseph R. Acord, 70, of Carmi passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at SIH Herrin Hospital in Herrin, IL. He was born in McLeansboro, IL on July 8, 1955 the son of Ralph and Mildred (Gallian) Acord. Joe graduated from McLeansboro High School and went on to graduate from Murray St. University. While at Murray St., Joe was a member of the school’s first Rodeo Team. On July 17, 1979, Joe married June Carlton in Olney, IL.
Joe was a full time cowboy. He owned and operated Bar A Ranch where he would train and show horses. He worked for many years in sales and marketing for various companies. In recent years, Joe was the weekend manager at Gillard’s Hardware in Carmi. He was a member of Carmi Emmanuel Church and had been a member of the McLeansboro Masonic Lodge. Joe enjoyed the outdoors, especially cowboying, along with fishing and hunting with his son.
Joe is survived by his wife of 46 years, June; son and daughter-in-law, Cliffton and Ashley Acord of Carmi; and two half brothers, Tom Palmer and Tracy Palmer. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Joe could sit and tell stories for hours upon hours, taking after his dad. He also loved writing songs and poems for the love of his life, June Ellen. Joe couldn’t wait to be with his son on their annual fishing trip. Cliff was the light of his life and what made him smile. One proud dad.
Funeral Services for Joseph R. Acord, 70, of Carmi will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Carmi Emmanuel Church, 203 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, IL 62821. Burial will follow in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Carmi Emmanuel Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Carmi Emmanuel Church, 203 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, IL 62821 or Conquer MG (Myasthenia Gravis), 4055 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60646. Envelopes will be available at the church and will also be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821 who is assisting the family with arrangements.
