Joe P. Coday's Obituary
Joe P. Coday, son of Hosea Nathanial and Della Flora Matlock Coday, was born August 29, 1913, near Hartville, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, May 23, 2006, in St. John’s Regional Health Center, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-two years, eight months, and twenty-four days. On May 26, 1938, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Ellen Hopkins and to this union two sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie, on July 8, 1999; a brother, Farris Coday; and a sister, Violet Moody. Joe is survived by two sons, J. Michael Coday, and his wife, Dorothy, of Carrollton, Texas, and David Coday, and his wife, Barbara, of Ava, Missouri; six grandchildren, Michael Gene, Warren Russell, Joseph Andrew, Michelle Diane, Matthew Edward, and Alison Paige; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Russell Coday, of Exeter, California; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born in the Wolf Creek Community and graduated from Hartville High School, in the class of 1932. He went to California during the depression, where he picked fruit. He then moved back to Hartville where he met and married Marjorie. While in Hartville he worked in the restaurant business, and for Palmer Propane and Plumbing. From 1955-1978 he owned and operated an insurance and real-estate business. He also drove a school bus for twenty-nine years, all while operating the farm, delivering bottle milk to the community, and lovingly raising his family. Joe had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a longtime member of Hartville First Baptist Church since 1955. He served as a Deacon of the Church, a Sunday School teacher, and treasurer, along with many other offices. He centered his life around his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him much pleasure. He was on the Board of Directors of Hartville Senior Citizens and enjoyed his weekly fellowship. He was a master gardener, an avid fisherman, and quail hunter. In his spare time he greatly enjoyed going to sporting events, especially local high school ballgames, and loved gospel music. Joe was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories he has created for his family and friends. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2006, in the Hartville Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Steele Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Hartville, Missouri.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?