Name: Visitation for Joe Hosteen Kellwood
Start: 2016-09-08T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-08T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Hansen Mortuary Chapel - Phoenix

Kellwood, Joe Hosteen
Joe Hosteen Kellwood was born on August 20, 1921 on the Navajo Reservation in Steamboat Canyon, AZ, and passed away peacefully at the age of 95 at the Veterans Hospital on September 5, 2016 in Phoenix. He was one of the Few, the Proud, he was a WWII U.S.M.C. Navajo Code Talker. He served in the First Marine Division and saw battle on Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa. He was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Naval Unit Commendation, Good Conduct, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He served our country with pride and dignity. He was a guest speaker at numerous events and proudly sang the Marine Corps Hymn in his Native Language. Due to health issues he was not able to attend the recent Navajo Code Talkers event in Window Rock, AZ on August 14th. He was a carpenter by trade and a proud member of VFW 9400 and American Legion 75 for many years. We all have wonderful memories of seeing his face light up when we walked into the room. He loved to tell funny stories, laugh out loud and say "by golly". He enjoyed family gatherings, cook-outs and just spending quality time with good friends and family. He lived in the same house in Sunnyslope since the early 1950s (over 60 years of watching his children and grandchildren grow up). He was a resident of the Arizona State Veterans Home for five months. During that time, he met many Veterans and Staff who enjoyed hearing his legacy. He loved playing bingo with his fellow Veterans. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Andrena, his sons Paul and Robert and his grandsons Christopher, Paul, Joe and Robert. He is also preceded in death by his parents and siblings and most recently, his brother Roy, who passed away on September 2nd. He is survived by his children Connie, David and Catherine, eleven grandchildren and over twenty great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 PM on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix 85020. Services will follow at 2:00 pm at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek, Phoenix 85024. Visit hansenmortuary.com for condolences.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Kellwood

Sponsored by Hansen Mortuary Chapel - Phoenix.

14 Entries

Eileen

September 12, 2016

Thank you for being an intricate part of our history and lives.

Toni N.

September 8, 2016

Thank you for your service. Including providing a service during WWII that no other country could ever duplicate!

Judy

September 8, 2016

Sir: Thank you for your service to our country! RIP Marine ...

Maha

September 8, 2016

My deepest condolences to Joe's Family and friends, I work for TriWest Healthcare and I am very proud to serve our Veterans. May his soul rest in peace.

Cindy Miner

September 8, 2016

I would like to thank Joe for his service to "Mother Earth". He sounds like an amazing individual and I would have liked to have known him. My deepest condolences

Bart B

September 8, 2016

Thank you Joe for your service to your community and country. You were loved and we'll see that you are not forgotten.

Amy

September 7, 2016

Pam Medley

September 7, 2016

Connie, I still remember meeting your Dad years ago. I thought he was so handsome and had such a nice smile . This is such a nice obituary . What an incredible life he had. Condolences to you and your family ..

Timothy Snead

September 7, 2016

I'm very sorry for your loss. I never knew Mr. Kellwood or his brother that just passed, but I thank them from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices they made for their country. It saddens me more that their country still doesn't do more for the Native Americans that were here long before the US became a nation. Thank you to the Kellwood brothers for allowing me to be free.

Tom

September 7, 2016

Marine: We are free today in no small measure due to your courage at a time when Native Americans were often held in low regard. You and others of similar background have helped this country beyond measure. You are truly the First Americans and among the First in defense of our country.

I wish you fair winds and following seas. Semper Fi, brother.

HMC USN

George Flores

September 7, 2016

Connie,

The Flores family and I are truly sorry for the passing of your father. I was able to talk to him over the past few years and he was very proud of his family, his work and his service to his country. I will miss him but so happy was able to know your father!

Marcia French

September 7, 2016

Our family is praying for his family and all Joe's many friends. We were all honored to be with him at our American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 9400 in Phoenix, Arizona. We will miss you Joe. With all our love. From Claire, Joan, Marilyn, Marcia and George.

Denise Smallwood

September 7, 2016

A true American Hero. Much Honor and Glory to the memory of this man. Condolences to his family. He will not be forgotten.

posey moore nash

September 7, 2016

Thank you for your service to our country....

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