Joseph (Joe) Huntington

1965 - 2023

Joseph (Joe) Huntington obituary, 1965-2023, Vancouver, WA

Joseph (Joe) Huntington

1965 - 2023

BORN

1965

DIED

2023

Joseph (Joe) Huntington Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 22 to Jun. 24, 2023.
Joseph (Joe) Huntington September 30, 1965 ~ June 12, 2023 Joseph "Joe" Huntington, 57, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 12, 2023.

Joe was born to Ed and Judy Huntington on September 30th, 1965 in Seattle, Washington. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, Central Catholic High School and graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in Vancouver, WA.

Joe married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Michelle Mercil, in 1992. Together they were blessed with three children which he was so proud of; Victoria, Kathrine, and Thomas. Joe's military career brought many adventures for him and his family, moving to Illinois and Texas. He always enjoyed sharing his childhood stories with his kids while sitting around the table playing card games. Joe enjoyed many trips to the beach, hiking and camping. He was always there to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or share a cup of coffee with a friend.

Joe joined the US Air Force in 1987 and later served in the Air Force Reserve, where he served as both Reservist and Air Reserve Technician. While in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, Joe served in a technical aircraft maintenance position as a Crew Chief on the F-4 Phantom, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the HH-60 Pave Hawk, and the KC-135 aircraft, and made multiple combat deployments to Incirlik, Turkey as well as providing support to the Olympic Games, Salt Lake City, Utah in 2002.

Joe retired after 21 years of honorable service as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force in 2010.

Upon completion of his time in service, Joe became both a Quality Assurance and Contracts Specialist for the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA). His positions at DCMA took him to Amarillo Texas, Yakima Washington, and Portland Oregon with a combat deployment to Iraq in 2011. In 2018, Joe left DCMA to become a Public Utilities Specialist for Bonneville Power Administration.

Joe will be greatly missed by his wife of thirty years, Michelle; his daughters Victoria and Kathrine, son Thomas; Mother Judy; sisters Suzanne (Michael) and Jennifer; and brother Tony (Stacie). He is preceded in death by his father, Ed.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Joe at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Vancouver, WA on June 28th at 11:00 am with a reception immediately following. A private family burial will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR on June 29th.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to www.thatothersmaylive.org

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

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

Sign Joseph (Joe) Huntington's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 16, 2024

Greg Gaunt posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2023

Brent Hansen posted to the memorial.

July 14, 2023

Mark Cooney posted to the memorial.

Greg Gaunt

June 16, 2024

A year...
We remember you, Joe. You let me know the other day with a passing memory. Thanks, buddy.

Brent Hansen

October 10, 2023

I heard it the day of since he was my loving uncle. I will never forget how my mom Heather told me, I was just getting back home from Middle School graduation with my grandmother Carol, dad, and mom. He was a loving and quiet personality. I will never forget the times we had even though we weren´t the closest since his kids were all 10 plus years older than me. But he was loving for all!

Love you Joe!
We will meet again!

Mark Cooney

July 14, 2023

Very sorry for your loss. I worked with Joe at Bell helicopter in Amarillo Texas. Last time I spoke with Joe he was working in Yakima Washington so it was some time ago. We had history in common just at different times. We both graduated from Fort Vancouver High. Both of us were once assigned to the 939th at Portland IAP. The short time I worked with him in Amarillo he was always a joy to be around and was a man to be counted on. I heard of Joe´s passing from another retired Air Force member who heard it from another retired member. So people he touched years ago know he is gone. Hand Salute

Michael L Braden

June 29, 2023

I really wish there was something I could personally say or do to make things better, or bring Joe back. I work at BPA and Joe and I started talking about 2 yrs ago, the last time on the 9th. We just learned of his passing today (29th). I lost my mom to cancer when I was 17, which started my journey into the Army. I grew up in Chehalis and am only one year older than Joe. Michelle, I do deal with the VA a lot, if there is any assistance you need getting through the red tape, please feel free to reach out.

I will share these words from someone who is/was, far more wise than I will ever be.

"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone."
- Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

Joe will always be your husband, he will always be your dad. The love he had for you will never wane, remember that. When you think of him, which I hope you do often, think of that love, remember it, hold on to it. Let it hold you like the hugs he gave you.

Paula Gibson

June 28, 2023

It was an honor to know and work with Joe. He had such a great presence about him. Always smiling, joking, happy and willing to help wherever was needed. He was very organized and thoughtful. The office will not be the same without Joe and his Triumph in the parking lot (I know he loved that). We will all miss him daily. My thoughts and prayers to the family, which I know he held dear. He was a very proud husband and parent. May you rest in peace my good friend.

Paula Gibson

Jennifer

June 28, 2023

I am sending peace and light to your hearts; Joe was my co-worker at BPA, he was right on the other side of the wall from me and will be greatly missed. We have children the same age and Joe was so proud of his kids, he would always talk about them with me, I will miss our morning jokes and laughter. I hope that he is still wearing good shoes on the other side.. <3 Rest easy friend.

Michele Holst

June 27, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Joe at BPA and what a wonderful soul to talk to. Both our sons are in the
military and he always asked about Walker and he was so proud of his children. He brought laughter on stressful days and was a constant professional. He will be greatly missed. May God bless your family and grace you with the comfort of wonderful memories until you meet again.

Gary & Gwen Garwood

June 27, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Family and Friends of Joe. Thoughts and prayers with all today, tomorrow and always.
Aloha, Gary & Gwen Garwood in Henderson, NV and The Garwood Family Family in Vancouver, WA

J. Ernest and Virginia Weinberg

June 26, 2023

Ernie and I are so sorry for your loss. We know what it feels like to lose a child. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Tammy

June 24, 2023

Love and hugs go out to all the Huntington family!! Joe will be sadly missed!! The good Lord gained a beautiful angel with the most amazing smile!! Rest in peace dear Joe!! All my love,,Tammy Garwood Bister

Janet Cleaveland (Leyfax Co.)

June 24, 2023

I am sorry to learn this. My family owned Leyfax Co., where Joe and his father, Ed, would bring their Volvos. My husband and son told me of charming and interesting conversations they had with the Huntingtons. RIP, Joe. You will be in heaven with our son John, who passed in December. I'm thinking that you two will just pick up where you left off, exchanging a story or two.

Don & Jeri Brunell

June 24, 2023

Joe, Michelle and their family are part of our extended family. We always enjoyed seeing them with the Delgadillo´s. Our prayers are for Joe and with Michelle, Victoria, Katherine and Thomas and their respective families. May God Bless and keep watch over your them all!

Steve Billings

June 23, 2023

Sgt. Huntington, the F-4 Phantom II Society salutes you for your service and sacrifices as Crew Chief on the F-4 Phantom in defense of these United States of America.

Tami Roper Attebery

June 23, 2023

When I think of Joe, I see his big smile! A man of faith, integrity beyond measure, and immense love for his family. My brother Tom & Joe had a forever friendship that began in high school. When the rest of our family met Joe, from day one we welcomed him with open arms! Prayers for his family to give them strength and always feel his love. May his memory be eternal.

Sue

June 23, 2023

Oh sweet brother, hard to believe you are gone. I loved you. I was your pesky younger sister. I looked up to you, laughed with you. We will meet again. Love sue

Maria Rizzo

June 23, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that I send this message and say goodbye to a fellow brother of arms.

I had the pleasure of working with Joe while stationed at the 939th in Portland for. And although my career took me in a different direction I never forgot those that I had the pleasure serving with. Joe was truly an amazing Airman and friend.

For everyone who knew Joe:

Although he is gone, his spirit is still alive. Within the walls of our hearts, his memory will never die.

Hold onto the memories of the good times had, laugh and remember, and try not to be sad. No more hurt and no more pain, he goes on to live again. For in the hearts and the minds of his loved ones and friends, he will forever be a Hero, a soldier to the end.

RIP my brother, you will truly be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle, Victoria, Katherine, and Thomas.

Maria Rizzo, Washougal Wa

Greg Gaunt

June 23, 2023

Joe's loss is one for all of us. He was my last H-60 trainer before going out on my own and I owe him a debt of gratitude for the wisdom he passed on to me. Joe's strong personality and soft heart is a memory I won't forget. Be at peace, my brother.

Jeff Hauck

June 23, 2023

It is with a very heavy heart, that I say goodbye to my friend. I´ve known Joe since he first came to work at the 939th Rescue Wing in Portland, in the early 90s. An outstanding and professional airman, crew chief, and more importantly a very, very good friend. I am a much better person for having known him, and I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with Michelle, Victoria, Katherine, and Thomas. Jeff Hauck, Tucson, AZ

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph (Joe) Huntington's name

How to support Joseph (Joe)'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph (Joe) Huntington's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joseph (Joe) Huntington's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 16, 2024

Greg Gaunt posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2023

Brent Hansen posted to the memorial.

July 14, 2023

Mark Cooney posted to the memorial.