JOSEPH M. HOYT LT. COL. (US ARMY RET.)

1932 - 2007

BORN

1932

DIED

2007

JOSEPH HOYT Obituary

Joseph M. Hoyt, 74, passed away on February 6, 2007. Born June 4, 1932, in Sedro-Woolley, WA, to Raymond and Irene Hoyt.

He graduated from SWHS in 1951 and Washington State University in 1956, where he played football and was the Pacific Coast Wrestling Champion.

He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Ecklund on September 12, 1953. Upon earning his BS in Physical Education, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. Highlights of his distinguished and highly decorated career include: combat with the Infantry and Special Forces; one tour in Korea; and two tours in Viet Nam, where he earned several Air Medals and the Bronze Star. After 22 years of dedicated service to his country, Col. Hoyt was awarded the Legion of Merit at Ft. Huachuca, where he retired in 1978.

Joseph was an avid runner, participating in several marathons throughout the country, the Boston Marathon three times. He was an original organizer of the Ft. Huachuca Roadrunners Club.

Joseph was preceded in death by his son Joseph Michael Hoyt and is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen; daughter Catherine Johnson of Lakeland, FL; son Craig (Yumiko) Hoyt of Atlanta; and grandchildren Jara Hoyt, Robert and Michelle Johnson, and Christina and Joseph Hoyt.

We urge everyone remember and support Alzheimer's research.
Memorial arrangements are pending.

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

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Feb. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH HOYT

12 Entries

Frank Horton

June 8, 2023

Joe and I were in the 2nd Bn, 35th Inf, 25th Inf Div, 1963-64. He helped me in an OER situation. Just read of his death. Great friend and officer.

Patti (King) Burhenn

February 26, 2007

Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. I know it has been years since we have seen each other, but I have wonderful memories of times spent together with both of you. Joe was an awesome guy, and I will remember him with great admiration.

Jo Snell Cruse

February 18, 2007

I have the honour of being named after my mother's beloved brother, Joe. Although we didn't see him often, I can say that our family always looked forward to his visits. He was outgoing, so kind and funny!

I am fortunate that Uncle Joe lives on in the memories of my children, through wonderful stories told by my father in law, Chuck Cruse. Chuck grew up next door to the Hoyt family, in Prairie, WA; and most of his memories, and colorful stories, include my mother's brothers. Whether Joe was staying up all night long with a sick horse, or taking Chuck along for his first perilous drive to town in Joe's new car; Joe exhibited a calm gentleness Chuck admired. We all admired. We all will remember Uncle Joe, for his service to our Country, for his kindness, his humor, as a runner, as a (Sedro Woolley) wrestler, as a friend and as a husband and father.

We will remember him as a great man.

Jacquie da Silva Christenson

February 14, 2007

Most precious friend, Karen, my heart goes out to you and to your family and to all those who loved Joe so much! My memories of him will always be of the twinkle in his eyes and of his gentle ways. I will treasure the memory of his friendship. May God continue to bless you as He has through this long journey. I love you! Jacquie

Bill Henson

February 13, 2007

Dear Hoyt family:

On behalf of the 35th Infantry Regiment Association I offer a final salute to Lt. Col. Hoyt, a respected brother Cacti. We know that sorrow is private, but our 1,100 member organization share in your loss of a man who once took excellent care of some of us.

Ralph Burr

February 13, 2007

Dear karen and Family, Noel and I extend our deepest sympathy at your loss. We served together in Hawaii and in Vietnam. Joe was a dedicated soldier willing to share in the hardships of the soldiers and dedicated to makeing their life a bit easier to bear. I'm sorry our paths did not cross after Vietnam. Well done, Joe.

Ralph and Noel Burr

Thomas Jones

February 13, 2007

Just wanted to express my condolences to the family. I knew Joe briefly in Vietnam in 1966. He was a Major who came over from the 35th Infantry (Cacti)to the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry (Golden Dragons) to become S-3 Operations Officer under some very difficult circumstances. He did a wonderful job by all accounts, particularly during two battles on November 13th and November 19th, 1966. May he rest in peace.

Carrie Salas

February 11, 2007

Dear Karen & Family,
My deepest sympathy for you and your family during this time of healing. I had the privlidge of caring for Joseph through my work with TMC Hospice. He was a gentle soul, and soft spoken, and his eyes said so much about who he was. I am sorry that his journey with Alzheimers was so long, but I believe he lived on to remind all of us how great his spirit and courage was. May you find hope in healing and strength for your future.

clifford(Tom) Ashe Ashe

February 11, 2007

My Heart and condolences goes out to the family and friends of Joe Hoyt. As a school mate, Joe was always very friendly and a very nice person.
I had no contac withj Joe after school and we were probaly somewhere close in Korea.
Karen, My Heart and Prayers are with you as you have lost a big part of your life. It is very hard to loose someone we love and you must pick up and continue with your life. My best wishes for you in the future.
Clifford (Tom) ASHE

Donna Hanna Sabin

February 11, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Donna Hanna Sabin and family

Ed Hoyt

February 11, 2007

The family's of Bob & Mary Hoyt
Don, Mary Ann & Ed

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results