BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – There are many ways to describe local musician Joseph “Joe” Stites, who passed away on Saturday, March 1.Throughout his career, he held many roles, including band director in several Kentucky schools, professor of music education, Interim Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, WKU faculty musician, principal conductor and Kentucky Music Educators Association President.Most of all, the Hopkinsville native was a committed music educator, according to a Facebook post by WKU Bands.In 2022, Stites was inducted into the Department of Music’s Wall of Fame.The post also said the students he’s taught have also become significant contributors to the success of music education throughout the region.There is no word yet on whether an event will be held to commemorate his life.Copyright 2025 WBKO. All rights reserved. .