Walter Joseph (Joe) Adrian was born on July 7, 1928 to William C. and Clara Adrian in St. Louis, Missouri. He departed this life on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Sac-Osage Hospital in Osceola, Mo.
After he finished two years in the navy (1945-1946), he met and married Patsy Ann Blackwell on October 14, 1950. To this union 8 children were born, 5 boys and 3 girls.
Joe had a long and successful career with Combined Insurance Co. then retired to Osceola, Mo in 1975. He helped his wife Pat run Adrian’s Variety Store in Osceola for 15 years. At the age of 60 he taught himself about computers then built and sold them to area schools. He worked extensively in the community through his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and Optimist. Joe was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church for 35 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
The love of Joe’s life was his wife of 59 years, Pat, and the rest of his family. Nothing made him happier than having all 70 of his immediate family at the house for a visit. Joe was a good and loving dad. The “toll” to enter the house was a hug or kiss for Dad (Grandpa). He was a very devout Catholic and instilled in his family a strong devotion to God. Joe also encouraged in his family a positive attitude and belief in themselves. Joe often told his children and grandchildren “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve” or “Do your best and let God take care of the rest.”
Joe enjoyed meeting new people and never met a stranger. He was very witty and loved to tell his corny jokes to anyone who would listen. He and Pat enjoyed traveling in their RV and dancing together.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and Richard; one sister, Rita and one grandson, Gilbert.
He is survived by his wife Pat, of the home; his children, Connie Garland and husband Mike of St. Augustine, FL, Tom and wife Glenda of Labadie, MO, Jeff and wife Terry of Westminster, CO, Karen Knight and husband Fred of Osceola, MO, Anne Nitsche and husband Herman of Appleton City, MO, John and wife Jeri Kay and Larry both of Osceola, MO and Tony and wife Leslie of Columbia, MO; 24 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and a host of friends. Joe will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Leave a Reply