He wasn't just a great family man, he was the hardest worker and toughest cowboy his friends and family had ever seen.
For this generation, the face of the Calbert home had a bushy beard, cowboy hat, a knowing smirk and an attitude.
Joseph 'Joe' William Calbert, known to many as Papa Joe, died May 27, 2008, in Vallejo, Calif. He was born in Napa, Calif., on May 18, 1949.
Joe grew up in Fairfield where he attended local schools and graduated from Armijo High School. In 1968, he joined the United States Army and served 2 tours in Vietnam. When he returned from the war, he started working for Solano Concrete where he learned the concrete business and went on to earn his own contractor's license and in 1983, started working with Desilva Gates Construction Company. Joe continued working for Desilva as a laborer foreman until he retired in March 2008. He was a member of the Laborers Local Union No. 326 for 25 years.
Joe's hobbies included car shows, NASCAR, family time and the great outdoors. He was known for his sense of humor and his numerous 'toys.' But number one to him were all of his friends and family.
Joe is survived by his wife, Sally; three children, Jenea Calbert and companion Carl, Christy Jennelle- Harrison and husband Dave, and Danny Webb and wife Missy; 11 grandchildren, Brittany Jennelle, Shea Calvin, Ashley Walker, Tanner Jennelle, Brittani Harrison, Corey Webb, Lauren Weiland, Caleb Webb, Julia Harrison, Riley Herrod and Karlie Almendariz; sisters, Debbie Schroeder and husband Ron, Linda Weber; brother, Larry Calbert and wife Linda; and stepmother, Betty Calbert. Also by his nieces and nephews, Bobby, Kenny and Brian Calbert, Corie and Casey Coughlin, Jolie and Doug Weber, John Jackson, Noah Calbert and Bobby Calvin. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Calbert; his mother, Lois Calbert; and his brother, Bob Calbert.
Joe's friends are too numerous to count, but his family would like to thank all that were with him through his final battle - Manuel, Sandy, David, Gary and Darlene. With a special thank you to Jerry Pace.
Services will be held at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, 1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield, 425-4697 on Saturday, May 31, at 1 p.m.
The family asks that a contribution be made in Joe Calbert's name to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life (checks can be delivered to Sally Calbert) in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Danny & Peggy Stemmler
June 18, 2008
Dear Sally
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. We just heard about Joe thru a friend. We moved to OR last year and are living in Merlin outside of Grants Pass.
Cindy & Ed Atkinson
June 9, 2008
Sally and Family,
Our hearts were saddened with the news of Joe's passing. We both have such fond memories of Joe. Please know that he is in our prayers. Love & hugs, Cindy & Ed Atkinson
John Jackson
June 7, 2008
Uncle Joe,
What to say, I will start with i love you very much. You are the greatest man i ever had in my life.. remember when i was a little guy you and i going out and riding your 3 wheelers, wrecking in the mud and getting the women all upset.. I remember the dogs you raised, your cars, but most of all i remember your love for all of us.. I will regret for the rest of my days that i was unable to be with the family the day you left us, but i know you are in a better place now keeping Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Bob laughing and smiling like you always did..
Your loving nephew
Johnny
Larry Calbert
June 4, 2008
Brother, Brother, Brother…
There was nothing quite like having you & David McPherson pick me up in one of your very cool cars (’55 or ’57 Chevy) on my way home from a game or dance when I was just a young punk. Me in the back seat of your car, laughing and dreaming that someone I knew would see me riding with the two of you. It was easy to sit up tall in your company. How cool!
Joe, you were one tough cowboy. A person who knew how to have a good time, get the job done and “never let anyone see you sweat”. Sally, we are so grateful to you for allowing Joe to go out on his terms and for being dedicated to his fight. He was surrounded by a very large group of true friends and loving family members. Just how Joe would plan a gathering…with him at the center of lots of great stories, laughs and memories.
With much love-
Larry (#5) and Linda
Brittany Jennelle
June 1, 2008
papa joe,
You are by far the best papa a girl could ever ask for... I am so lucky to be able to say that.. You are such a big part of my life and always and forever will be.. not half of the grandchildren in the world would be able to say they've had as much fun with there papa's as I have..and I'm so very thankful for that.. I will think about you everyday.. and I will make you proud that's a promise!!! love you and will see you again someday soon!! your little spaniel forever!!
Corie Coughlin
June 1, 2008
Uncle Joe you were a true inspiration to so many people! Your strength and endurance set the standards for all of us. You truly deserved all that you had! You are so lucky to have had Sally by your side. I hope I will be blessed with half her strength. I thank God that you found her and her family and that you had the chance to feel and be loved and to be able to give it back to them. You Are Amazing! Peace and love be with you!
Kristie
May 30, 2008
Sally and family,
Im so so sorry.. Joe was such a dear, sweet man. I will always remember him workin out in the garage, or on the toys.. He always had a smile and a wave as we drove by. He was a truly genuine soul, that is in a much better place now. He will be watching over all of you, and keeping you safe. Thinking of you in this sad time.
Donna Chisamore
May 30, 2008
Calbert Family,
I will always remember Joe's sense of humor. Being a blonde, ten wheel truck driver, I was always greeted each time I worked with him with the blonde joke of the day. Joe was one of my favorite Foremans to work with. I am glad I had the chance to know him! He will be missed dearly. Sincerely, Donna (A and D Trucking, Livermore,CA)
Dennis Soares
May 30, 2008
We will all miss Joe. He was a friend to us all. I knew Joe since we were kids in Fairfield including grade school and High School. I would run into Joe at cars shows or other places from time to time. Even after years of not seeing each other, he never forgot me or some of the good times we shared together. My condolences go out to Joes family and friends. I will miss him.
Susan Bentley
May 30, 2008
Sally and Family: Joe and Danny had such a great relationship. They where 2 wild and crazy guys. Danny always spoke with great respect for Joe. I've known Joe since the days of "Orchard Partys". Joe will be missed by many friends, and I know I will miss his sense of humor and his loving heart. With Deepest Sympathy: Susan Bentley
Danny Webb
May 30, 2008
Papa Joe,
We love you and miss you. We are very lucky to have you in our lives. We have a lot of great memories and we thank you for always being there for us and for all that you taught us. We are grateful and happy that you are healthy, happy and safe again and we look forward to seeing you again when the time comes.
Love,
Danny, Missy, Ashley, Corey, Caleb
David McPherson
May 29, 2008
Joe, as kids we grew up on the same street. I remember at the age of eleven taking over your paper route... that was the beginning of a long lasting friendship. We became very close sharing our experiences with family and friends, so close I loved you as my brother. You will truly be missed and never forgotten.
Love Always.... David
Kendra Barajas
May 29, 2008
Joe Bear was a great person to know, he was so funny and had one of the greastest smiles that no one could forget. He will be truley missed but never forgotten. Everytime I seen Joe he always pulled on my hair and always played around with my daughters. I will always remember his jokes and smiles.
Love always Kendra Barajas
Tiffany McPherson
May 29, 2008
I Love You Joe Buck-O !! Love Tiffany (or as Joe would call me "Little Sandy")
Jenea Calbert
May 29, 2008
Dad...
I was the luckiest little girl to have you as their dad. You always made me laugh when I was sad and were there to put your arm around me. I always felt the unconditional love that you gave me, and I am missing that already. You are the strongest man alive and I am going to miss you soo much. You are my biggest hero, and I know now that you are my angel now watching over me...
I love you daddy...
Riley Joe and Karlie Mae miss you sooo much. Talk to you soon!
Love you always and forever.
Your Babies
Jenea', Riley Joe, and Karlie Mae
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