Virgil “Leon” Joiner, age 98, of Falls of Rough, KY, passed away Sunday, (November 01, 2026) at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes in Leitchfield, KY.

He was born on February 04, 1928 in Butler County, KY, the son of the late Ephron and Dewey Mitchell Joiner.

After receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University he worked as a school teacher and a full time farmer. In 1981 he retired after more than 30 years as a science teacher for the Grayson County School System. He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture, working his puzzles, riddles, gardening, bird watching, hunting, playing his guitar, science, botany and playing his harmonica.

He loved the land and “wanted to leave it better than he found it.” He served as the chairman of the Short Creek Watershed Conservation Board for 57 years and was honored to receive the Master Conservationist Award in 2019. An avid fan of the UK Wildcats, he was a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association, served as president of the Leitchfield Education Association, proudly served on the Grayson County Grand Jury after being called many times, and was a member of the Yeaman Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday School and led the singing for many years.

He is survived by his grand-daughter, Melisa Militello; three great-grandchildren, Sam Militello, Molly Militello & Juliet Jaimes Joiner; a brother, Glenn Joiner; a sister, Virgie Barber; and a daughter-in-law, Jackie Joiner. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Elwanda Smith Joiner; a son, Jerry Joiner; a grandson, James Leon Joiner; and seven brothers and sisters, Reathal, Mabel, William, Elizabeth, Opal, Wallace & Virgil Joiner.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, (November 10, 2026) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bros. Eddie Young, Jim Thompson, & Rich Mardis will be officiating. Burial will be in the Porter Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday until time of services.