Joseph Milo McCubbin, 97

Joseph Milo McCubbin

February 22, 1919 –March 5, 2016

Resided in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away with family at his bedside.

The son of Joseph D. and Cynthia Dunn McCubbin, Born in Redfield, Kansas and moved to Cross Timbers, Missouri with his family when he was 2.

He loved Bluegrass music and was an accomplished musician (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar) playing on KDRO radio in his younger years. In addition to music, his other interests were hunting and fishing. Joseph served an active role in the Civilian Conservation Corps, building state parks in Southern Missouri prior to joining the United States Army. He trained in the Yuma desert with General Patton to go to Europe, but was redirected to go to the Philippine Islands and New Guinea to serve with General McArthur. His battles to liberate the Philippines included 112 continuous days of combat. Joseph was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. A life-long quest to find the family of his good friend and fellow soldier, Silas Lefthand was completed in January 2016. His family will always be part of our family.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Sedalia, Missouri and on July 4th, 1946 married his love, Opal Lorene Williams McCubbin. She preceded him in death on December 28th, 2007. They were joyously married for 61 years.

Joseph was an employee of Pittsburg Corning for 35 years, initially worked on the construction crew to build the factory and then went to work there and retired in 1982.

Surviving are two sons, Ronald J. McCubbin (Ruth), James D. McCubbin (Kimberly Y.) and a daughter, Cynthia E. Skiles (Gary) all of Blue Springs. Also surviving are 8 Grandchildren and 10 great Grandchildren, with an additional due in April, a brother Robert D. McCubbin and brother in law, Curtis D. Yates. In addition to many nieces and nephews.

Also preceded in death by his father, Joseph Delaney, Mother Cynthia Dunn McCubbin, brothers, Bert, Earl, Elvin, Chester, Elgie, Glen and sisters Mary Ellen and Opal.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 8, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Curtis Yates officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors by the U.S. Army and VFW Post 2591.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project.