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.