Joseph “Joe” Charles Youngblood Jr., passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at his home. He was born on March 27, 1958, and was just a few days old when he was brought home to Atwood, by his parents J.C. and Mary Jo (Cox) Youngblood. It was an event much anticipated by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.
His growing up years were pretty typical. There were many years of Boy Scouts, showing of his outstanding athletic skills and discovering his love of the outdoors. Most especially, his love of cars and motorcycles. From the mechanics of how everything worked, to racing across the pastures, daring bumps, jumps off cliffs and the thrill of the ride, motorcycles were a love he never lost.
The fascination of how things worked mechanically, Joe learned from his dad. Joe and his dad worked together for many years farming with one issue - Joe’s long curly brown/blond hair was a problem for J.C. This continued to be one until a solution was found. The solution was Joe’s first mullet! Short in front, long in back.
After working alongside his father for several years, Joe made the simple announcement to his family. “I’ve found my Susie!” Susie (Files) and Joe were married on April 25, 1986, and settled onto their farm south of Atwood. In addition to this union, Joe took on the role of helping Susie raise her daughter Angye. They began a lifetime of planting a garden and generously sharing the resultant produce with many. There always seemed to be a few critters being pampered as well.
Summer leisure time for the family included spending time at their trailer near Trenton Lake. Many hours and days were spent fishing, boating, and just enjoying their time with other lake families.
Back on the home-front, there were things to do, including the care of Susie’s dependent sister Linda. As Susie’s mobility issues worsened, Joe became the main caregiver for everyone, and needed to spend most of his time at home. For him, it was a selfless act of love. Following Susie’s passing, Joe continued to live on the farm, gardening and working around the place as usual. He was looking forward to spending more time with the grandkids, and passing along the legacies, skills, and history of the family he loved.
Just as the future was looking so promising, Joe’s own health got in the way. It is up to us to look forward!
He is survived by Angye, husband Jay Covert, of Topeka; four grandchildren, Jackson and Mason of Topeka, Isabella of Missouri, and Karissa Covert of Nebraska; sister, Jane and husband Mike Griffith; niece Kara Wicke, her two sons Tres and Tavon; nephew Garth Griffith, wife Aubrey their daughter Navy all of Atwood and nephew Clayton Griffith, wife Katie their two daughters, Paige and Paityn of Alaska and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by the “love of his life” Susie; his parents J.C. and Mary Jo; and his in-laws Gene and Jerry Files.
Memorial service will be held at the Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. There will be an Open House to visit with family at the Griffith Home (522 State) from 4 to 6. All are welcome!