Joe W. Ghere





Joe's guardian angel came and closed Joe's blue eyes on May 21, 2010 at the Mt. Vernon Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO. He was 86.

Joe Wix Ghere was born March 3, 1924, the son of Ralph & Lena Wix Ghere. Joe lived most of his life in the Bates County area.

He married Eula McQuinn on October 4th, 1942.

He served 3 years during World War II working as a B17 mechanic in the Army Air Force. After the war he and Eula returned to Butler where he became involved in several business ventures. He was a parts man with "Stanley Gray Motors." He owned and operated the "Skelly Service Station" and later was a "District Representative." He was also a salesman for Deems John Deere, operated the "Phillips Service Station" and later owned and operated the "Gambles Store." He was a partner with the "Paul Buerge Cattle Co." and Joe & Dr. Robert Hatten owned the first car wash in Butler.

Joe enjoyed golf but his enjoyment was keeping the course in good shape.

Joe's love of Country and Bates County led him on several political activities such as City Councilman and Mayor. He told a Kansas City Star Reporter once "I love every brick on this square." He always believed that everyone should serve their community which caused him to be President of the School Board and President of Butler Enterprises. He served as a member of many committees and organizations and was a lifetime member of the American Legion and DAV. Joe was a member the First Christian Church in Butler over 60 years. He had a great passion for the "Non Pariel S.S. Class" and served on several committees of the church.

Joe owned a farm East of Butler and to him "Land was the thing." He spent many hours and days fighting thistles, removing rocks, trying to leave the land better for others. One of his delights was to feed the fish and share the ponds with others.

Joe and Eula did extensive traveling, visiting 49 states plus Spain, Africa, Canada, Rome and several islands in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. His greatest delight was to take his grandson, B. J. on trips. Joe was the driver, B. J. the map reader and Eula, she was along for the fun times to cherish.

Joe's failing health caused him much distress. Retirement was never in his vocabulary. He would say, "Smile, Be Happy and lets go to work," never complaining.

Joe and Eula were married 67 years and had one daughter, Meri Jo Sexson. He is survived by his wife Eula, daughter Meri Jo and husband Bill Sexson, Grandson B. J. Sexson; Three great-grandchildren, Nicole, Samantha and Lukas, all in the Springfield, MO area. He is also survived by one sister, Norma Diehl, Nevada, MO, sister-in-law, Joan Ghere, Butler, 3 nephews Martin Ghere, Butler, Brent Diehl, Florida, Brent Diehl II, London, England and many other cousins and friends.

Joe, we say this to you: "The old is gone, the newness begins." What a great promise for all. Now you will "fly like an eagle" and walk again with no more falling.

A funeral service will be at 10:30am Tuesday, May 25 at the First Christian Church, Butler, with Rev. Ron Dunlap and Shannon Gepford officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery near Butler. The family suggests contributions in Mr. Ghere's name to the First Christian Church or DAV Chapter of Butler.