Joseph Courtaway

Joseph James Courtaway of Richwoods, Missouri departed this life on December 12, 2013 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center having reached the age of seventy one years, nine months and two days. He was born on March 10, 1942 in Richwoods, Missouri a son to the late Joseph A. Courtaway and Luly M. (Courtoise) Courtaway.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Helen Courtaway, two sisters Berniece Boyer, Erma Strickler ; brothers in law Walter Boyer, Harold Strickler and a brother John Thurmond.
Joseph finished his formal education in St. Clair, Missouri. He served in the Vietnam War with the United States Army.
Joseph liked fishing, hunting, riding a motorcycle, playing the guitar (country & country gospel); jam sessions with anyone who played his style of music; old fashioned singings like the one held at the "church on the hill" in Richwoods...a lot of cousins attended that one regularly.
At one time he owned about 200 acres in the Bunker area where he raised a variety of animals, including llamas and buffalo and a lake stocked with numerous fish; he also kept horses for riding
Joseph enjoyed "hanging" with family, especially cousins and the younger nieces and nephews.
Those who remain to mourn his passing are three sisters Grace Parks of St. Clair, Betty Pruitt and husband John of St. Clair, Carol Drewel and husband Marvin of Union; one brother Art Courtaway and wife Sharon of Potosi; sister in law Velma Thurmond of Cuba; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friend who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 7 PM at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Bro. Joe Church officiating. Full Military Honors were presented by the United States Army for Joseph's Honorable and Faithful service to his country.
All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.
A private burial will be held at a later date.