In Memory of Joseph H. McKown

Joseph H. "Joe" McKown, age 78, of Columbus, Nebraska died Thursday, September 9, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital.  Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2004 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus with Reverend Joseph A. Miksch officiating.  Burial is in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery with Military Honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard.  Visitation is 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday at McKown Funeral Home and after 7:00pm Sunday with an 8:00pm Vigil Service at St. Bonaventure Church.  Visitation will continue Monday morning from 8:00am - 10:00am at the funeral home.

Joseph H. McKown was born October 30, 1925 in Columbus, Nebraska to James H. and Emma E. (Hambsch) McKown. He graduated from St. Bonaventure High School and attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Wayne State Teachers College and graduated from the St. Louis College of Mortuary Science. Joe served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII from December 1943 - November 1945. He was Staff Sergeant flying B - 17 Bomber as waist &  tail gunner with 26 missions in the ETO. On May 14, 1946 he married Geraldine Coffin at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lincoln, Nebraska. Joe returned to Columbus where he owned and operated McKown Funeral Home from 1949 - 1985. He was a member of St. Isidore Church, Holy Name Society, Honorary Life Member of Knights of Columbus #938, American Legion Post #283, Past Commander V.F.W. #3704, Past President Columbus Noon Lions Club and Eagles Club. He served as chairman of the Columbus Housing Authority for 15 years, member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the National and Nebraska Funeral Directors Association where he served as District President, Columbus Golf Board and St. Bonaventure Cemetery Board for 25 years.

Joe is survived by:

Wife                    Geraldine R. McKown of Columbus, NE 
Son                     Joe (Charlene) McKown, Jr. of Columbus, NE
Son                     John "Jack" McKown of Norfolk, NE
Sister-In-Law      Bernadette McKown of Pacificia, CA
Grandson            Chad (Erin) McKown
Granddaughter   Lisa McKown
Granddaughter   Amanda (Lee) Moore
Granddaughter   Kylie McKown
Granddaughter   Shawna McKown

He was preceded in death by:

Father: James H. McKown
Mother: Emma E. McKown
Infant Brother: Jack McKown
Brother: James B. McKown
Brother: Thomas F. McKown

Memorials may be directed to donors choice.