Joseph Huskey

Joseph (Joe) Van Huskey, age 74 of Marble Hill MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends Friday, May 31, 2024 at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO. Dr. Huskey was born in Cape Girardeau MO on October 8, 1949 to the late Freeda VanMatre Huskey and TH Huskey, Jr. After graduating from Woodland High School in 1967, Joe received a BS In Education from SEMO University in 1971, a Masters in Education in 1976 from SEMO and a Ph. D in Curriculum from SIU at Carbondale in 1993. Joe attended Kage a one room school near Cape Girardeau for one and a half years. While serving in the Education Dept at SEMO he took his classes to visit the old Kage School which Cape Public Schools gave him permission to enter and show the books, desks, etc. that were still in place. Joe taught 17 years in the public schools of Mo before joining the faculty and staff at Southeast Mo State in 1990. He was the Coordinator of Advising for Education at Southeast University until his retirement in 2010 although he continued teaching part time for SEMO until 2013. In addition to advising he taught courses dealing with the education of special needs students. He was a member and officer of the local 4-H club in Marble Hill during his high school years and belonged to FFA. He attended the 4-H camp near Lake Wappapello and later was a counselor at the camp during the summer months. During the summers of 1968 and 1969 he was employed at the Blue Mountain Methodist Camp near Arcadia, Mo. While in high school and college, he helped his father on the family farm with hay hauling and other farming tasks. He also helped with hay hauling for other farmers in the community which was one of his favorite memories. 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. He was a former board member of the church and taught Sunday School. He also was a teacher for the Calvary Hill Top camp during the 1970s and 80s. In addition, he was the president of the Bollinger County Library Board for 10 years and helped implement the use of technology at the library working with Velma Polen who was librarian at that time. After retirement Joe delivered meals for the local Sr Nutrition Center in Marble Hill. He was a member of the Cape Chapter of the MO Retired Teachers Association, a former member and officer of the SEMO Phi Delta Kappa Chapter Joe also belonged to Kappa Delta Pi. He sang with the Bollinger County Community Choir for several years and participated in the Harmony Church Choir. 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 retirement 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 Smith, Sylvia Jackson, and Carol Counts. He also leaves his goddaughter Barbara Macke and her son Tyler. Visitation will be held at Harmony Church on Saturday June 15, 2024 from 10am to 2pm, with funeral service following at 2pm. Burial will be at the Lessley Ridge Cemetery near Marble Hill. Instead of flowers, donations to the Lessley Ridge Cemetery or Harmony Church and can be left at the funeral home or church. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandlileyfuneralhome.com Ford & Liley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Joseph Huskey

October 8, 1949 - May 31, 2024