Joe was born on March 5, 1931 to Charles R. and Lillian Mae Webbe (Blair). He was raised on a farm in Light, Arkansas, the second to youngest of four children. His siblings were Sharlene Webbe Blanford, Fred Webbe, and Carolyn Webbe Hurn. Joe loved sharing stories of his years growing up in Light, Arkansas telling tales of picking cotton, fishing, hunting for rabbits and squirrels, working at the movie house and popping popcorn. He loved his horse, Dolly.
Joe came to St. Louis, MO in his early twenties and met and married Patricia J. Duncan on January 16, 1955. The funny story Mom always told us was that Dad didn’t know how to dance when they first met so Dad took dance lessons at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio to learn how to jitterbug. The rest is history as they say.
Joe and Pat had two children, Pamela and Joe Jr. They were married for 55 years before Pat’s passing in April 2010.
Dad worked at Federal Pacific Electric and Sears and Roebuck. He retired from Sears after working there for 50 years. He enjoyed being active and absolutely loved meeting people. He never met a stranger.
Joe was active in church activities and attended Tower Grove Baptist Church before relocating to Arnold, MO. While attending Tower Grove, he was active in the Bus Ministry Program. He drove a bus in the surrounding neighborhoods picking up children and bringing them to Sunday School and Church. Dad and Joey were a team. Dad drove the bus and Joey was a bus runner who escorted the children from the front door to the bus.
Dad and Mom were active in sports activities at Tower Grove as they offered Bowling Leagues, Volleyball and Softball Leagues. Joe and Joey were involved in Indian Guides and won many car derbys with a little car named Herbie that they constructed.
Dad had many hobbies and loved the outdoors. He absolutely loved to cut grass, plant flowers and play in the dirt. He loved to fish and while he did go hunting, he would come home empty handed but full of stories about the deer, quail and other creatures he saw while in the woods up in his tree stand.
Most people that knew Dad, would always comment that he always had a smile and that is true. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was ready to meet the day head-on.
Our Precious Dad, Go Rest High on that Mountain!
Services: A public visitation will take place at First Baptist Church of Arnold (2012 Missouri State Rd. Arnold, MO 63010) on Tuesday August 19th, 2025 from 10am until the time of service at 12pm. Interment to follow at Shepherd Hills Cemetery.
Prayers for Pamela and Joe. Joe Sr was one of my favorite cousins, eventho we only visited occasionally. I will always remember his smile, great story telling and laughter. Joe and I would compare notes on Sears since we were retirees, he in Missouri and I in Arkansas.
My God comfort and give you peace in the days ahead.
We were blessed and honored to have Joe as our next door neighbor. He was incredibly kind and thoughtful. He was always working on a project or in his garden. “Joe Joe” is what our girls shouted out as they said hello across the yard. Joe loved our children and even made them handmade gifts. Many of the neighbors have said he was like a grandpa to their kids. Joe Joe — the Benz family will miss you lots! We thank the Lord you are no longer suffering and praising Jesus in Heaven (and maybe even tending to a heavenly garden).
For the past 13 years, Joe wasn’t just our neighbor — he was family. He loved our kids and watched them grow, always with kindness and a smile on his face. He had a special place in his heart for our dog Koba, lovingly calling him “poppy dog,” even though Koba is already 9 🙂
Joe, we will miss you deeply. Our neighborhood will never be the same without you. Thank you for the joy, warmth, and friendship you shared with all of us.
Love, Velic Family