Dr. Joseph "Joe" Van Huskey, 74, of Marble Hill passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau.
He was born Oct. 8, 1949, in Cape Girardeau to T.H. and Freeda VanMatre Huskey Jr.
After graduating from Woodland High School in 1967, Joe received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1971, a Master's in Education in 1976 from SEMO and a doctorate in Curriculum from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1993. Joe taught 17 years in the public schools of Missouri before joining the faculty and staff at Southeast in 1990. He was the coordinator of advising for education at Southeast until his retirement in 2010.
He was a long-time member of Harmony Church, having joined in 1960. He had been a member the longest of any active members at the time of his death. He liked to reminisce about being baptized near the Hog Creek Bridge when he was around 10 years old.
After retirement, Joe delivered meals for the Senior Nutrition Center in Marble Hill. He was a member of the Cape Girardeau Chapter of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
He was the treasurer of the Lessley Ridge Cemetery for many years.
Joe served as a supervising judge at each election held in Marble Hill after retiring from SEMO.
He leaves his significant other, Carole Smith, and her two children, Justin Smith and Marrie (John) Read, and Carole's five grandchildren. Also surviving are his aunts, Kay VanMatre-Smith, Sylvia Jackson and Carol Counts. He also leaves his goddaughter, Barbara Macke, and her son, Tyler.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Harmony Church, with funeral service following at 2 p.m.
Burial will be at the Lessley Ridge Cemetery near Marble Hill.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Lessley Ridge Cemetery or Harmony Church and may be left at the funeral home or church.
Ford and Liley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Full obituary and online condolences may be made at fordandlileyfuneralhome.com.
