Joseph Earl "Joe" REGAN Airman and WWII POW

Joseph Earl "Joe" REGAN Airman and WWII POW Joseph Earl Regan passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday the 21st of March with family members present. He was born on May 23rd 1923 near Elma, Iowa and graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic High School, Class of 1940. Joe got his draft notice in 1943, entered the Army and volunteered to be an Air Cadet. He was assigned to the Ball Turret and on his 15th mission, February 3rd, 1945, Joe's B-17, "BIG DOG," was hit by an 88mm Anti Aircraft round and the entire crew bailed out. Joe was captured was a POW for the next 3 months. He was liberated from Stalag 7A on April 29, 1945 by General George Patton. Returning to Seattle Joe reconnected with Kathryn and they were married August 10th in her home town of Raymond, WA. Over the next several years they welcomed Rebecca, Michael, Brian Kevin and Phillip to the world. Joe had a career as a Contracts Manager and buyer of engines and mounts for Boeing for 36 years. Active in Republican politics, Joe was Precinct Captain and Delegate to several Republican National Conventions. Also, as members of the Catholic Church, the Regan's took in (5) foster children and sponsored (9) Hmong refugee families in their home. Joe was active in the 8th Air Force Historical Society and Kiwanis of Kirkland. Joe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kathryn Dee, his sister, Petronilla Madden, 5 children, Rebecca O'Neill, Michael, Brian, Kevin and Phillip, 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and many Regan nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Donald Regan and Bob and Elroy Madden. Services will be held at Saint Marks Catholic Church, 18033 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, on 3 April, 2012 at 10:30 AM. Donations in lieu of flowers in Joes name are desired. Charities and full Obituary may be found at: www.bartonfuneral.com.