Joseph David Armstrong ,77, passed away after a stroke on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Cox Medical Center South. He will be missed dearly but we know he has no more pain and is at rest.
Joe is survived by his Wife Kay, daughter Laura Stallings, Step daughter Melody Andrews and husband George, Step son Rob Sullens and wife Tracy; sister Sandra Holaday and husband Ray, grandchildren Nathaniel Stallings and wife Annie, Ian Stallings, Patience Stallings, Mikayla Hainline, Kassandra Ambrosius and husband Zane, Hayden Sullens, Haylee Sullens; one great granddaughter Magnolia Stallings; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents J.D. and Thelma Armstrong, sister Tonya Charle, and his first wife Kerry Armstong.
Joe was born in Springfield, Mo to John (J.D.) Armstrong and Thelma Ward on April 7,1943, a 10lb bundle of joy. Joe worked for the Frisco Railroad and attended SMSU (MSU), receiving a degree in civil engineering and was a Kappa Alpha. Where he made lifelong friends (brothers), oh the stories! After college, he joined the United States Marines and made Captain and served in Phu Bai Vietnam. After serving, he went Australia for 3 months and stayed for 3 years where he met his first wife and had a Daughter. In 1974, they moved back to the States where they settled in Monett, MO. He returned to the Railroad and retired in 2003 from the BNSF.
In 2008, he married Kay. They enjoyed traveling, movies, and spending time together as well as with their family.
Joe was full of stories, ornery, and loved to laugh. It seems everyone can tell a great story of Joe. One of my favorite stories I have heard recently involved a gorilla suit and surprising a coworker on the engine. Joseph David (Dad) you are missed already; you are loved and thank you for the love you gave. Rest in peace.
A celebration of life is planed for a later date.
In lieu of flowers please Send donations in memory to:
Missouri Department of Conservation (Donations)
P.O. box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180