Person:Jose Pagan (2)

MR. JOSE "JOE" PAGAN Jose “Joe” Pagan passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kansas. Joe, as he was known, was 73 years of age and a resident of Howard. He was born on April 9, 1928 at Guayanilla, Puerto Rico to Jose Irizarri and Rosalia (Cintron) Pagan. Joe attended school and grew to manhood in Guayanilla. On January 11, 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Buchanan, San Juan, Puerto Rico and served in the Nuremberg, Germany area. On June 25, 1955, he married Barbara Hauer at the Mariahilft Catholic Church in Amberg, Germany. Two daughters were born to this union, Shirley Rosaley and Joanne. Joe was part of the United States Army of Occupation, G Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Armored Cavalry, based in Amberg, Germany. Joe was a tank-driving reconnaissance scout, armored intelligence specialist. He attained the rank of Sergeant E5 and was honorably discharged on April 22, 1960, having received the National Defense Service Medal and The Army of Occupation Medal for his service in Germany. After his discharge from the Army, Joe lived a brief time in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He later moved to LaPuente, California where he drove for Bekins Van Line. Joe became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints while living in LaPuente. Following a debilitating back injury, Joe was forced to retire and move to the desert in hopes that the climate would relieve his pain. He and his family lived in Thousand Palms, near Palm Springs. His marriage dissolved and he relocated to Encinitas, Califomia to recuperate from back surgery, in 1974. As soon as he was able Joe attended San Diego City College. On September 11, 1976, at the Los Angeles Temple in Santa Monica, California, he was sealed in marriage to Dorothy Denton Clark for time and all eternity and his daughters were also sealed to the couple. They recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. The Pagans provided 24 hour residential care for developmentally challenged teenagers for the State of California Regional Center. Over the next twelve years, they provided a home and supervision for six young people serving a total of 32 different clients. In September of 1988, thc Pagans moved to Howard, Kansas, as did Joe's mother, Rosalia Pagan, who had reccntly joined them from her home in Guayanilla. Joe was soon integrated into the community by providing his services where needed. For five years, he served as a bus driver for U.S.D. 282. He was always pleased when former student passengers greeted him, although they were hard to recognize as they changed as they grew up. He served as commander of American Legion Carter-Rader Post #149 in Howard for several years. Joe always participated fully and wholeheartedly in anything he undertook. After retiring from school bus driving, he volunteered to be a part-time driver to deliver meals to shut-ins for the Friendship Meals Program of the Howard Senior Center. Although his health was failing, he became a volunteer part time driver for the Elk County Transportation. Joe enjoyed widening his acquaintances with those of other communities in Elk County. One of his last spoken concerns was whether a substitute for him would be found. He was a devoted husband and father, who left happy memories and a legacy of love that will strengthen his family at this time. Joe was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints and served as a Spanish Branch counselor, Eureka, Kansas Branch counselor, Derby, Kansas Stake Missionary, teacher, Boy Scouts leader, Temple Preparedness Leader, responsible home teacher and was always willing to help with any church activities. He attended the temples as often as possible, even though they were long distances away. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughters and son-in-laws, Shirley and Ken Hansen of Stockton, California and Joanne and Larry McColm of Pleasanton, California; step-sons, daughters, and spouses, Chris and Barb Clark of Los Gatos, California, Mary and Larry Dorsa of Oceanside, California, Martha Clark of Eseondido, California, Alan B. Clark of Salem, Oregon, Melissa and Gary Arribere of Encinitas, California and Kevin and Vickie Clark of Cedar Park, Texas; and seventeen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rita. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2002 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint Meeting House, 1901 East River on Highway 54, across from Gran Villas in Eureka, Kansas. President H.H. “Buddy” Hoopcr will preside and conduct the service The chorister will be Rhonda Cummings with Bonnie Helms singing “You’re Not Alone”. Randy Frank, Rev. Don Harper, Cliff Cummings, President Newell Hill and Jerry G. Harvey Sr. will speak at the service. Funeral services and interment were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday February 11, 2002, at Eterna Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Oceanside, California. Memorials have been establish with the Howard Senior Center Activity Fund, Carter-Rade American Legion Post #149 or the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Contributions may be left with the funeral home. Th local funeral arrangements are being made with the Zimmerman Funeral Home of Howard.

Sedan Times-Star - February 25, 2004