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Joseph H. Anthony

1935 - 2019

Joseph H. Anthony obituary, 1935-2019, Dallas, TX

BORN

1935

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Merit Memorial Funeral & Cremation Care - Dallas

12801 N Stemmons Fwy

Dallas, Texas

Joseph Anthony Obituary

ANTHONY, Joseph H. Joe victoriously crossed the finish line of his life and received the prize of being with his heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 27th, 2019. Born June 4th, 1935 in Sun am dong in the Kyung buk province of Korea, Joe was separated from his family during the Korean War and spent time traveling with, and serving, the American GI's. During this time, he learned about our great country and began his remarkable life-changing journey to America. With the assistance of many GI's, and sponsored by Air Force Chaplain Father Donald Werr, Joe started his new life at Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Still a teenager, he wrote a book called The Rascal and the Pilgrim based on his experiences during the war and the realization of his dream to come to America. His story was featured in a television documentary, and he was the youngest guest ever featured on Ralph Edwards 'This Is Your Life" at the age of 16. Joe married the love of his life Norma Jean Owens on January 10th, 1959 in Quincy, IL. He received his B.A. in Political Science and Education from Quincy University and went on to teach government and economics at Guilford Senior High School in Rockford, IL. Later, his entrepreneurial drive led him to open Anthony's Jewelers with Norma. After 25 years of separation from his family in Korea, Joe undertook a new journey, and with great determination and commitment, succeeded in reuniting with his family. All of his siblings and their families eventually made America their home. Joe and Norma retired and moved to Texas to be close to their children and grandchildren. Joe had a love for great food and enjoyed it most when sharing a large table surrounded by his family. He took his greatest pleasure in holding his beloved grandchildren and was known as the "baby whisperer" for his remarkable ability to rapidly calm a crying infant. His passion for reading and "keeping his mind sharp," found him at the public library or senior center almost daily, staying up to date on current events, and clipping interesting articles to share. One of the greatest highlights of his later life was his surprise 80th birthday celebration, attended by so many family members from all over the country. The words in his thank-you note reflect how he cherished his legacy: "Your presence among all the smiling faces, laughter, and love made my heart vibrate with excitement and overwhelming joy. I was in a fabulous dream for three days, and the memories will stay with me forever." Still, as Christians, we know that celebration cannot match the incredible joy he is now experiencing in the presence of God, and he will be missed daily until we are all reunited with him. Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years Norma, children Derek (Beth) Anthony, Rockford, IL; Debbie (Steve) Massman, Frisco, TX; Greg (Nancy) Anthony, Frisco, TX; Mary (Tom) Murphy, Frisco, TX; and Don (Diane) Anthony, Mission Viejo, CA, grandchildren Amy, Austin, Allie, Hannah, Collin, Carly, and Joely, siblings Karen (Thomas) Yu, Sandy (Brad) Shin, Jason (Nancy) Park, sister-in-law Betty Park, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Mal Om Park and Pum (Im) Park, brother Steve Park, and adopted father Reverend Donald F. Werr. The Anthony family wishes to thank the caring staff of Faith Presbyterian Hospice and Garden of Eden. A "Celebration of Life" is being held 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Lebanon Chapel, 6321 Page Street, Frisco, Texas 75034 with a reception following; details at Merit Memorial Funeral Home's website.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Sep. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by The Dallas Morning News.

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September 7, 2020

Mr Anthony was a wonderful man. He was kind, soft spoken and had a gentle heart. My sympathies to the family.
Leslie Nautiyal

September 18, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Was Mr. Anthony a teacher at Guilford High School in the 60's?

Del Blair

September 18, 2019

RIP Dear Joe: We will miss you. Love Always Del and Nancy Blair

Marcia Dundore Wolter

September 18, 2019

Inspirational teacher! I loved his book! This kind man will be greatly missed! Guilford class of 66.

Ginamarie Woldman

September 17, 2019

Debbie l just finished reading your father's incredible life story I know that was only a few words but you must be very proud of the man he was. May you have the comfort of knowing your father is peacefully watching over you & your family as your personal guardian angel in the heavens above.

September 17, 2019

Thoughts and prayers for the Anthony Family. May God be with all of you. Thinking of you, Debbie Anthony Massman from the days of Chicago Honey Bears. Take good care, Patti D'Andrea Evans

Love you Joe. You will be missed!❤

Del Blair

September 16, 2019

September 16, 2019

I have very fond memories of the Anthony family, their jewelry store and Joe's smile. My prayers for the family.
Leslie Nautiyal

Terry Mayborne Rudeen

September 15, 2019

He was a gentleman and a great businessman. As the former owners of Knight's Armor Menswear, we extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace.
Greg and Terry Rudeen
Rockford, Il.

In memory of Joe.

Earma Maypray

September 14, 2019

Norma,
I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family , after reading of the transitioning of your beloved
husband, father, grandfather, teacher and wonderful neighbor. I am praying that wonderful memories will bring you comfort during this time of great sorrow. Norma,I
Remember the comfort that you, and Joe offered me when my husband Frank passed away fifty years ago, my heart goes out to you. May God bless and keep you all.
Earma Maypray

Janell Hug Smock

September 14, 2019

Sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of your family while growing up in our old neighborhood. Hugs and prayers your way.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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Memorial Events
for Joseph Anthony

Sep

21

Celebration of Life

5:00 p.m.

Lebanon Chapel

6321 Page Street, Frisco, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Merit Memorial Funeral & Cremation Care - Dallas

12801 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 803, Dallas, TX 75234

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