Joseph William Menears

Joseph William Menears “Joe” was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 16, 1928. He was the middle child born to Joseph and Mary Menears. He was preceded in death by his sisters Berdice Petway and Thelma Crawford. Joe was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System attending Cole Elementary and graduating from Sumner High School. He met his first love, Mattie “Tuggie” Swan at Sumner High and prior to their marriage Joe attended a year of medical school at the University of Denver, Colorado until being drafted into the United States Army. Joe and Tuggie were married on February 22, 1948 and to that union two sons were born, Mario Monty (Jill) and Torrin Joseph, Sr. Joe and Tuggie also had one granddaughter, Keisha (Chip Wilson) and four grandsons, Torrin Jr., Brandon, Justin, and Zavier; and six great-grandchildren. Mattie preceded Joe in death in 1989. Joe Menears accepted Christ as his personal Savior being baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in 1958. He became a diligent student and doer of God’s Holy Word. Joe dutifully served at Antioch as an usher and later as a deacon. He continued serving the Lord upon becoming a member of Greater Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in 1966, where he also served as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher as well as a member and Chairman of the Deacon Board. Joe met the last of love of his life, Georgea “Raye” and they were married on April 27, 1991. Upon marrying Raye, Joe gained another son, Vernon Whitlock, III (Leslie); two daughters, Kim Whitlock-Melo and Kimora Lee Simmons and five grandchildren, Ambria, Shelby, Ming Lee, Aoki Lee, and Kenzo Lee. Over the course of their 20 years together, Joe and Raye enjoyed traveling, dining and spending time with family and friends whom he had acquired during his 40 plus years with the US Postal Service. Joe retired after becoming a Postal Supervisor and District Manager. Joe was admired and respected by his peers, subordinates and supervisors. He was known as being “stern but fair”. Joseph W. Menears went home to be with his Heavenly Father at 10:18 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011 at home with his loving wife Raye by his side. For 83 years Joe has epitomized what it means to be a great man of faith, integrity and character. He was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Joseph Menears. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.