Joe B Donaldson

Joe B Donaldson, 84, of Oregon, passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. He was born December 7, 1933 in Melbourne, Kentucky to Isaac Newton “Newt” and Iona (Stephens) Donaldson. Joe dropped out of school at the age of 16 to work and help his family. He then joined the Navy at the age of 18. Joe was a part of the Korean tour and was stationed on the USS Saipan. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the U.N. Service Medal. After discharge, Joe returned to work at Hale Crome Service, eventually becoming an owner, and then retiring in 1995 as Vice President. On his 70th birthday party, his loving wife Midge surprised him with a graduation party – for himself. He was awarded his high school diploma in 2009, after 55 years.

Joe spent his time deer hunting, perch and walleye fishing, and working on cars for his family. He and Midge enjoyed spending their winters in Okeechobee, FL and during the summer, took care of their lawn.

Joe is survived by his children, Sandy (Butch) Mottmiller, and Joseph “Joey” Glenn (Diane) Donaldson; grandchildren, Jenni (Libby) Mottmiller, Tobey (Erin) Mottmiller, Jamie (Brian) Rau, Joseph Donaldson (Amy Barraclough); 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane Maier; special friend and President of Hale Crome Service, Rick Deye. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Mildred “Midge” Donaldson; and siblings, Betty Slater, and “Chick” Donaldson.

In accordance with Joe’s wishes, there will be no services for him. Instead, he wants you all to, “Think of me with a beer, not with a tear.”