Joseph M. “Joe” Veal, age 89 of Salem, passed away at Centralia Manor on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Joe was born on October 8, 1935 in Vernon, the son of Leroy and Sarah (Watkins) Veal. He married Patricia (Back) Veal on February 2, 2001 in Vandalia and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Dewey Veal and wife Sherrie of Cape Girardeau, MO and Dale Veal and Jon Nightingale of Peoria; special grandson, Jeremey Veal and wife Dawn; grandchildren, Angela Mamell and husband Jesse, Heather Roberts and husband Ken, and Amanda Creson and husband Steven; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Carl Veal and wife Ruby of Sandoval, Don Veal and wife Jean of Metamora, and Charles Veal and wife Gloria of Peoria; two sister, Wanda Hinricks of Salem, and Patty Veal of Salem; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three children, Steve Veal, Rita Veal and Joseph Veal Jr. Joseph was a member of the Apostolic Church in Salem. He worked as a truck driver for Caterpillar until his retirement. He enjoyed painting cars, trucks and tractors, was a jack of all trades and loved keeping busy. He found pleasure enjoying the outdoors and loved to feed the squirrels. A graveside service for Joseph M. “Joe” Veal will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Farmer Cemetery in Vernon with Brother Calvin Jean officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Apostolic Church Building Fund and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com