Richard "RJ" Joe Early

RJ Early, 87, Southgate Drive, Hopkinsville, died on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Jennie Stuart Medical Center of natural causes.

A Graveside Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019 at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West with full military honors. Chaplain Richard Stanley will be officiating.

The body will be cremated. Lamb Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

A native of Howard County, Indiana, he was born August 5, 1932, the son of the late Edmund Ray and Jessie Harlan Early.

He was owner/operator for a trucking company. He was a retired Gunnery Sergeant from the United States Marine Corps, where he was a three time Purple Heart and a Bronze Star recipient. He was part of the Frozen Chosin in Korea. He served three tours in Vietnam and was the last of the non commissioned pilots flying helicopters. He worked for the CIA flying for Air America.  He was a member of the VFW Post 1913, America Legion Post 74, D.A.V. Post 8, Marine Corps Association 1st Marine Division, Masonic Lodge Oak Grove Scottish Rite and the Shriners League Of Honor. He was a musician that enjoyed playing music and singing karaoke.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Joan B. Early, two sons, Geoffrey (Janell) Jensen, New Orleans, LA.; Gregory (Kathryn) Jensen, Atlanta, GA; one daughter, Laura Jean (Edward) Lewis, Starkville, MS; four grandchildren, Meleah, Justin, Caitlin and Cassidy Jensen.

Expressions Of Sympathy may take the form of memorials to West Kentucky Scottish Rite Foundation 668 Park Ave. Madisonville, Kentucky 42431

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