Joseph Kammerer

Joseph Carl Jack Kammerer Joseph C. Kammerer, or Jack as he was known to all, was born February 8, 1916 in Neodesha to Joseph and Jennie Upson Kammerer. He passed from this life on November 13, 2008, at the age of 92. Except for the time he spent serving his country during World War II Jack lived his entire life in Neodesha on the comer of 9th and Bell. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2008, under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel. The Reverend Kris Brinlee will officiate. Interment will be in Neodesha Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home to register and view on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The family may be contacted at their residence. At the age of 10 he committed himself to the Lord, joining the United Methodist Church here. He was honored for 80 years of faithful membership at that same church in 2006. Jack39;s father passed away when Jack was 14 years old and as the oldest of four children he took on the responsibility of helping his mother earn a living and raise the family, graduating from Neodesha High School in 1936. Jack served in the Army Air Corps for four years and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. In 1945 he married Florence McClure and together they raised two sons, Earl and Carl. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Myrtle, and a brother Lewis or Red. He is survived by his wife of 63 years of the home, sons Earl and wife Mary of Butler, MO, and Carl of Neodesha. He is further survived by two granddaughters, Shannon Higgins and husband Chris of Smithville, MO, and Tracey Kelso and husband Brandon of Nevada, MO; and four great-grandchildren, Alec and Ainsley Higgins and Taylor and Elissa Kelso. His youngest brother Clarence of Springfield, MO, also survives. Throughout his life, Jack was always faithful and active in his church, the American Legion and was a devoted husband and father, working often with the American Legion ball teams. When his sons were small he served as a Cub Scout Master. Like so many of the greatest generation he returned home from his military service and got on with the business of living, working and caring for his family. He worked at W.J. Small, Standard Oil Refinery, and IMCO Manufacturing before retiring. Jack was known for his ability to fix and repair whether helping his sons with cars or other project or fixing something for a neighbor. In later years he delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shannon and Tracey have fond memories of coming to Grandpa and Grandma39;s to spend a few days, going fishing at Bub39;s farm and enjoying this special time and Grandpa39;s gentle teasing. In recent years he continued to have an interest in the little ones, as he called his great grandchildren, and was always happy to have them come to see him. Though he usually referred to his daughter-in-law, Mary, as sweetheart he also called her daughter, a designation she was honored to have. It was said of Jack39;s father at the time of his passing: He was a good neighbor, a loyal citizen, a kind and loving husband and father, a quiet, unassuming but earnest Christian and was beloved by all who knew him. Certainly we can say the same of our Jack. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church and may be left at the funeral home.