After 91 years on this earth, Joseph Hal Robertson was welcomed into Heaven on December 3, 2017.
Joe was born in Greensburg KS July 26, 1926, son of the late Sydney Robertson and Mary Francis (Matthews) Robertson. He had two brothers, Lee Robertson and Lynn Robertson, both of whom precede him in death. He loved to tell stories of growing up in Western Kansas, riding a horse to school and all the mischief he and his brothers got into during their time there.
After graduating from high school in January 1945, he entered into the Army and served his country during World War II. Serving as a warehouse foreman and platoon Master Sergeant, he spent most of his time in the Philippine Islands and Tokyo, Japan. While overseas, he learned some Japanese. Right up to the end, he loved randomly breaking into Japanese during conversation for the reaction he got.
After his time in the Army, he attended Baker Technical School in Joplin on the G.I. Bill to study cabinet making. During this time he worked a series of odd jobs; everything from Soda Jerk at his uncle’s drugstore to parts runner for a local auto dealership. Following technical school, he went to work for Braeckels, Inc. as a locksmith and ran the hardware department. He worked there for nearly 20 years before going to work at W.R. Grace & Co, where he managed the scale house until the time of his retirement in 1988.
In the early 1960’s, he met a girl named Shirley Ann Dickson - when once asked how they met, Joe simply leaned in, raised his eyebrows and said, "she caught my eye!" They married June 3, 1962 and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary before his passing. He truly loved Shirley, so overwhelmingly that it would bring him to tears when he would say he loved her.
Joe and Shirley welcomed two children, son (Joseph) Hal Robertson II, and daughter Melanie Ann (Robertson) Patenaude. Their family grew up learning everything from the love of classic cartoon characters to gardening and, most importantly, how to love and follow Jesus.
Joe accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 26, and continued to nurture his relationship with Christ until his passing. He was a devoted member of Forest Park Baptist Church for over 50 years and served in many roles during that time, including Sunday School teacher, usher and Deacon. He spent many years as a volunteer groundskeeper for the church and also helped with funeral dinners.
Joe was a lover of plants and gardening, John Deere, and Will Rogers. He maintained what is arguably the most organized (and carpeted) garage in Joplin. If you hadn’t seen him around the house in awhile, you could generally find him outside pulling weeds or building shelves out of scraps he picked up around town.
Those who knew Joe well knew of his feisty side. He was quite the storyteller, and loved to tell stories about his younger days. He shook the hands of many men; not only as a friendly gesture, but he was also sizing you up, as he believed that the strength of a handshake was indicative of the strength of the man.
In addition to Shirley, Hal and wife Stacey and Melanie and husband Tony, Joe leaves behind nine grandchildren, one great granddaughter.
Joe wasn't just a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was a kind, generous, selfless, and humble servant of God. He was a gentleman, a provider, a teacher and friend whose sweet spirit left a mark on all he encountered. He will be missed, but we rejoice in his celebration and look forward to the day we meet again.
Memorial service will be Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church with Dr. John Swadley officiating.
Private family interment will take place in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Forest Park Baptist Church on Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Forest Park Baptist Church Missions Fund.
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