Joe was born in Reading on Nov. 4, 1921, a son of the late Joseph Daniel Marks and Helen May Bausher. He grew up in Wyomissing, the oldest of three children.
He enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II. Joe developed a love of flying that lasted his entire life. He graduated as a cadet in 1943, then learned to fly B-24 bombers. He and his crew flew 32 missions over Europe, including the D-Day invasion.
Joe received many decorations and citations for valiance and honor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, EAME Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, American Theater Campaign Medal, and the Victory Medal. Joe was honorably discharged as a captain in 1946. He then worked as a knitter in the Berkshire Knitting Mills in Wyomissing.
Joe continued his love of flying on weekends for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. In 1951 he was recalled into active duty for the Korean War. He and his unit opened the Dover, Del., Air Force Base. After the Korean War, Joe began his 28-year career with American Airlines and retired as a captain.
On Sept. 4, 1945, in Los Angeles, Joe married Kathern Hansen of Monticello, Utah, the daughter of the late Henry Lloyd Hansen and Catherine Josephine Wood. Joe and Kathern are the proud parents of seven children.
In 1990, Joe and Kathern moved to Salt Lake City. Joe joined the Latter-Day Saints Church in 1999. On Jan. 21, 2000, they and their children were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Joe loved to spend his time traveling, reading, watching and participating in sports, camping, and working on his model railroad. He loved classical and big band music and even his stroke could not stop his singing.
Throughout his life, Joe gained the love, friendship, and admiration of many people. Whether it be his lifelong or new friends, military or professional peers, those in the medical profession who served him, or members of his family, all those who came into Joe's life were touched by his great attitude, generosity, service, wonderful sense of humor, and above all, his love. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathern; his children: Joseph Marks (Carol), Vicki Scholz (the late Darrell), Michael Marks (MaryLee), Debbie Hope (Jim), Terry Hutchings-Baker (Jon), and Kate Ryan (Jim).
Other survivors include 33 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn Jean Martin and Helen Marie “Tommie” Moyer (Charles), and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Ann; a grandson, Wayne Scholz; and son-in-law, Darrell Scholz.
A special thanks to those from Midas Creek Home Healthcare who assisted Kathern in caring for Joe.
A viewing will be tonight from 7 to 9 in the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. with a viewing from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the LDS Winder Chapel, 1495 E. 4705 South, Salt Lake City, UT. Burial will be in Farmington City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Stroke Association: http://www.stroke.org/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Murry & Julie Jensen & Family
May 15, 2009
Dear Kay,
We want you to know how much we love you and Joe and how saddened we are at his passing this week. We are so appreciative of the friendship you both have given our family. You both have always been so supportive and kind and we will miss that from your sweet husband. I'll never forget Joe driving me home to Anaheim from West Jordan, when I was 14, after my visit with my sister Carol. I have always remembered how caring he was throughout the long 12 hour trip. We will miss him very much and want you to know that you always have a friend in us. Thank you for sharing your sweet husband with us and so many others. We will always be grateful to have known him. Take care and God Bless.
Brent Oreno
May 15, 2009
Dear Marks Family,
We express our sincere sympathy in the passing of your dear father. We know he left a lasting legacy of good in the lives of his children and grand-children. God bless you all.
Jed R. Allen
May 14, 2009
Dear Marks Family
With deep sorrow I find you have lost your Father, Husband, and Grandfather. I recognized the name, having worked with Joe Marks Jr. for many years.
Joe, what a great legacy your father left. How awsome to have him finally join the church and have such important ordinances performed before your fathers passing.
Kent and Phyllis Bachus
May 14, 2009
We will miss Joe, but will enjoy celebrating his life with you Kay.
Marilyn Bown
May 14, 2009
Kay & Family,
My deep condolences to all of you. I know my good friend Fran,and many others will be happy to connect up with Joe. I know you will all miss him so very much.
Lois (Marks) DeTurk
May 14, 2009
I was very sorry to learn of "Cousin Joe's" passing. Unfortunately I barely remember most members of your family as I have not seen them since I was a little girl and have never seen most of them. I do, however, remember Joe and that he was always smiling, pleasant and one of my Dad's favorite people. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Dave & Winnie Woll
May 14, 2009
Dear Kay and family,
We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Joe will be remembered fondly by us because of the loving and respectful way he treated Marelle and Scribby Woll. Joe was a wonderful person and the world will be emptier without his presence.
Jean Dillon
May 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Terry Hough
May 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vicki and Neff Russell and family
May 13, 2009
Dearest Marks family,
With fond memories and gratitude for a lifetime of friendship, we send our love, hugs, and kisses across the miles to you as we learn of the passing of Joe. Our lives have been greatly enriched by your family and we love you deeply. Thank you also for the many years of friendship to my parents also. They enjoy your friendship, love and appreciate you always. I know my father was right up front to greet him on Sunday as he came home. Thank you for your lives and may the Lord be with you all as you celebrate "Dad" Marks.
Comfort to you all.
Gina Ramirez @ West Hair/Trimz
May 13, 2009
Remembering Joe with fond memories. I had the pleasure of being Joe's barber for many years. Both he and Kay would come in to my shop and bring with them their joy for life and Joe always had a story to tell me of his travels and reunions that he and Kay attended.It has been my pleasure to have known them both.And as Joe's health declined, I came to miss our visits.My deep condolences to you, Kay as I know you will miss Joe very much.
Lee Ann Christy
May 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Kay.. Love you so much !!
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