Joe B. Mewhirter

Joe B. Mewhirter, 88, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Allen Place in Atlantic.

Joe was born September 18, 1931 north of Elliott, Iowa to Lee Allen and Effie Susanna (Maxell) Mewhirter. He graduated from Elliott High School in 1949 and farmed with his dad for two years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1951.

Joe was united in marriage to Barbara Lou Milner at the Elliott Church of Christ on August 10, 1952, in between traveling for boot camp and military preparations. A year later he was deployed to serve as a United States Marine Corps Sergeant in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he and Barb began making their way back to the Midwest before settling in Maryville, Missouri in 1956 to start their family while Joe attended NWMSU.

After graduating in 1960 with a degree in Industrial Arts, Atlantic became their home of 60 years. It was also home to Joe B. Mewhirter Contracting and Building, which he began with Barb by his side. Together they ran a successful business for 45 years. Although Joe "retired" in 2005, his projects were never ending. Joe was still busy managing the family farm, rental properties, and actively serving his community. Joe was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, the Atlantic Golf and Country Club, Elks Lodge #445, the Za-Ga-Zig-Nishna Valley Shrine Club, the Royal Order of Jesters, the Scottish Rite, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3415, and a 59-year member of Pymosa Masonic Lodge #271.

Joe was forever proud of calling their home “the ranch” and his grandkids calling him Grandpa. He loved being a father, husband, a Marine. Joe was a collector of many treasures and would share and tell stories about them to anyone who would listen. He loved any color as long as it was red and a firm handshake.

Joe and Barb welcomed family gatherings for many years, whether it be to spend time on the golf course, hunting, dancing the night away or reminiscing around the meat block; making sure no one left hungry or thirsty. Joe looked forward to daily visits to Robinson Hardware to see what was new on the street and to his afternoon coffee at McDonald's. His highlight was driving to the family farm to be able to say "it’s still there,” to ending his day with a bowl of ice cream watching RFD.

Joe was a proud man of his many accomplishments in life and was blessed and forever grateful for all the families who welcomed him into their homes and businesses to help make their dreams come true.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Barry of Atlantic; son, Jeffrey (Deanna) Mewhirter of Northlake, TX; grandchildren, Taylor Barry of Urbandale, IA, Nick Barry of Los Angeles, CA, Ashley (Cody) Davis of Haslet, TX, Amy Deboard of Fort Worth, TX; great-grandson Dylan Davis; brothers, Jack Mewhirter of Madeira Beach, FL and Jim (Martha) Mewhirter of Vancouver, WA; sister-in-laws, Betty Mewhirter of West Des Moines, IA and Sharlene Milner of Montrose, CO; nieces and nephews, Deb (Steve) Straw, Greg (Jennie) Mewhirter, Robin (Bill) Wilson, Tracey (Dean) Braun, Ben Mewhirter, Jack Michael Mewhirter, Leigh Ann (Gerie Van Duist) Mewhirter, Erin (Rich) Glick, Jay Mewhirter; and many special extended families and friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, of 67 years; his parents; brother, Tom Mewhirter; and brother-in-law Jerry Milner.

A Masonic service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 14th followed by visitation with the family present until 7:00 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15th at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Elliott.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Joe’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.


IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Joe B. Mewhirter

SEPTEMBER 18, 1931 - FEBRUARY 9, 2020
Entered into rest at the age of 88 years, 4 months, 22 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
11: 00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020
First United Methodist Church - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Dean McPherson
Pastor Garry DeGeest

ORGANIST
Carolyn DeLay

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
"How Great Thou Art"
"Old Rugged Cross"
"The Lord's Prayer”
by Amy Mardesen

BEARERS
Taylor Barry
Nick Barry
Jim Mewhirter
Jay Mewhirter
Brian Mewhirter
Kipp Harris
Jack Jensen
Derek Stork

HONORARY BEARERS
Jack Mewhirter

the late Tom Mewhirter
Morris Mewhirter
Russ McNees
Ralph Riggs

INTERMENT
Elliott Hillside Cemetery - Elliott, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard

LUNCHEON
Joe's family invites friends to join them for lunch in the
fellowship hall immediately following the service .