Joseph Anthony O'Connor

Joseph Anthony O'Connor

Joseph Anthony O'Connor was born on November 11, 1957 in Biloxi, MS to Willie and Emma Turner O'Connor. He entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 13, 2005 in Kasierslautern, Germany.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father Willie O'Connor, mother and stepfather, Emma Turner Burbridge and William Burbridge; one brother, Melvin Barrett; nephews Phillip Rosado, Jr., Christopher Searight, and Donald Rosado.

Joe, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Biloxi High School in 1975. In 1982, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Business Administration. He entered the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant and dutifully served his country from September 10, 1982 to March 9, 1988.

After his honorable discharge from the military, he remained in Germany and was employed with the U.S. Government and the German government for many years until his health prevented him from working. In Germany, Joe united with the Life Changers Ministries International in Kasierslautern, where he faithfully worshipped and served as an usher. Joe became fluent in the German language and developed many long lasting friendships at work and in the community in which he lived. His kind-heartedness and sweet spirit will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memories are one brother, Phillip (Carolyn) Rosado, Modesto, CA; two sisters Phyllis (Loyce) Searight, Biloxi, MS and Audrey Smith, Los Angeles, CA; five aunts, Valeria Johnson, Elaire Johnson, Ruth Turner of Gulfport, MS; Cora McWilliams and Flora Reed of Biloxi, MS; one uncle, Raymond "Peter" Turner, Gulfport, MS; two devoted and loving nieces, Ruth Searight Lewis and Diana Searight; four nephews, Tommy Searight, Raphael Searight, Ronald Rosado, and Joseph Rosado; one godson, Marcos Searight; and a special, loving friend Eula Mae Burbridge; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services will be at NOON, on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Biloxi, where Rev. Edward Moses, Jr. is pastor. Visitation will be two hours prior to services time at the church. The eulogy will be delivered by Rev. Steven McDaniel, Jr., of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Gulfport. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery where he will received military honors.

Care of our brother is entrusted only to the professionalism of MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME.