Joseph Haruo Uyehara, 66, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on June 9, 1959, in Palau, to the late Harry and Mariana (née Antibas) Uyehara.

Joseph graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy on the Island of Hawaii in 1977. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1981. Joseph proudly served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military career, he continued his service as a contracted civilian worker in global logistics.

Joseph met the love of his life, Judy, in Abileen, TX where he was stationed working as a navigator on the C130. They married on May 22, 1992.

Joseph had a lifelong love of learning and enjoyed researching a wide range of topics. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and had a passion for cooking. Above all else, Joseph cherished time spent with his family and took great pride in caring for and supporting those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved, Judy (née Brockman) Uyehara; three sons, Jason (Mallory) Butler of Smithton, IL, Harry (Crystal Reichert) Uyehara of St. Louis, MO, and Thomas Uyehara of Collinsville, IL; four grandchildren, Owen Butler, Lilly Butler, Nolan Butler, and Zaid Reichert; one brother, Kenneth (Eileen) Uyehara of Palau; two sisters, Grace Conte of Palau and Linda (Melvin Matsuda) Kanda of Hawaii; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville.

Memorials are suggested to the Palau Conservation Society. Contributions will be accepted at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.