Joseph Fotheringham

Joseph Fotheringham
Papa Joe is in a better place.
Joseph Charles Fotheringham passed away at his home in Merrill Feb. 4, 2014, at the age of 89 with his wife and two daughters at his side.
Joe was born in Merrill on Nov. 20, 1924, to Joseph and Harriet Fotheringham. He had one brother, Walt, and three sisters, Geraldine, Annabelle and Louise, who preceded him in death.
Joe and his siblings were raised on the property where Joe lived until his passing. His father died when Joe was 17, which resulted in Joe basically assuming responsibility for the farming operation with the help of younger brother Walt, then 13.
Despite the responsibilities of the farming operation, he graduated from Merrill High School in 1941. His inability to accept an Oregon State University scholarship and pursue post high school education made him an ardent advocate of education for his children.
Joe met Milly Pyeatt at an armory dance in Klamath Falls. They were married Oct. 26, 1946, and celebrated 67 years of marriage.
They have two daughters, Yolanda Buchanan (Neal) and Denise Klegseth (Gary), and four grandchildren, Joey Klegseth, Jeremy Klegseth, Brent Buchanan and Dana Pine, who have given him six great-grandchildren. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. All of them are the love of his life, but Milly was his first love.
Joe was active in various community activities in Merrill, including the Merrill Presbyterian Church, was a life member of the Elks, and in 1998, was the grand marshal of the Klamath Basin Potato Festival.
He particularly enjoyed traveling, including family trips to the Hawaiian Islands and cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, the "Mexican Riviera" and through the Panama Canal.
Joe also loved his sports, including tailgating at Oregon State University Beavers games. Occasionally, he had been known to even wager on a game or two.
He will be laid to rest at Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens with a private ceremony, then a memorial on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at 11 a.m. in Merrill Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in Walt Wilson Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Joe to the Merrill Presbyterian Church, a hospice or the charity of choice.
Please sign the online guest book at www.heraldandnews.com/obituaries.