Joe Blue

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joe D. Blue, age 85, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his home.

Joe was born September 18, 1935 in McMinnville, Tennessee, son of the late James Blue and Leola Donahue Blue McBride. He moved to Joplin in 1940 and attended Lincoln School until the 11th grade when he joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and served for four years as a Radio Operator. 

While in the Air Force he completed his GED. He returned to Joplin and married Carolyn England in 1961. He worked for a short time in security at Macy’s in Joplin before going to work for 905 Liquor in Joplin which he did for over 24 years. 

He also worked for J.T. Miners Liquor Store and then retired from Empire District Electric in 2000. He spent several years after retirement working for the Joplin School District as a Crossing Guard at Irving School, and working part time at Cat Johnson Auto Sales. He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved his grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carolyn who passed in 1989, a daughter, Becky Carroll; two brothers, James Blue, Jr., and Robert Blue.

Survivors include a daughter, Kimberly Weathers of Joplin; grandchildren, Ruby Nwabugwu (Chimezie), Candace Carroll, McKenna Weathers; great-grandchildren, DaJhana Porter, Kiara Patton, Kiran Patton, KaMika Carroll, Damar White, and Jomihr Silas; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Pastor George Triplett officiating. Interment will follow in Parkway Cemetery with Kenny Weathers, Dave Jackson, Kevin Jackson, Richard Fowler, Eric Colbert, and Tracey Thompson serving as pallbearers.