Joseph Read Putnam was born in Evanston, Wyoming on September 13, 1952 to Read H. Putnam and Genevieve Bryant Putnam. He passed away at his home in Spanish Fork, Utah on October 28, 2023.
Joe was the third of four children. He grew up in Evanston and graduated from Evanston High School in 1971. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines between 1971 and 1973. He enjoyed his mission and loved serving the people.
He attended Brigham Young University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982. He worked in commercial photography and started his own business, Putnam Photography, which specialized in commercial work in the studio and on location. He also photographed family weddings.
Joe loved traveling and hiking where he took many photographs of nature and candid shots of wildlife. One of his favorite places was Grand Teton National Park. He was a true Western in that he enjoyed shooting his guns at the gun range.
Joe moved from Provo to Spanish Fork in 2003 to care for his father, Read. Joe attended to Read’s needs until Read’s death in 2014.
Joe was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Provo City, Utah Temple and the Payson, Utah Temple. He loved these callings and served faithfully.
Joe is survived by his siblings Greg (Becky) Putnam, Marsha (Gerry) Williams, and Nancy (Craig) Byington. He had 8 nieces and 9 nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at, 1911 East 1850 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. The family will meet with friends and family prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m.
4 Condolences for Joseph Read Putnam
Condolences(4)
Kelly Finnegan says
November 5, 2023 at 5:02 pmSo sorry to hear about Joe. I home-taught him and his dad and always came away with more than I went with. I didn’t see him as much after moving, but was still able to talk to him and talk occasionally.
Scott and Susan Beckstrom says
November 7, 2023 at 4:36 amOur thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brother Putnam. We loved him dearly and are saddened with his early passing. What an incredible person with beautiful talents and soul. We will miss him dearly especially as I continue to serve in the temple without him but know that he is doing the Lord’s work in heaven.
Greg Widman says
December 7, 2023 at 8:33 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family. He was a dear friend. Joe and I served in the Philippines together and stayed connected when we got home. He was the best man at our wedding. I’ll miss him.
Bryan S says
March 18, 2024 at 8:41 amJoe was and is an wonderful man and I’m very grateful for the chance I had to know him. I loved his sense of humor and am grateful for his genuine concern for me that I could feel. I am inspired by his desire to follow the Savior and his faithfulness in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and I’m sure he is on the other side of the veil helping with God’s work there.
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