Joseph L Secrest

Joseph L. Secrest, 95, of Walton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 7:28 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2020 at his home.   He was born March 16, 1925 in rural Reno County, Kansas to James L. and Opal (Cooper) Secrest.  Joe was married to Joan McGuire for 21 years.  To that union, one son was born.  He later married Glenda Ann Parrish.  They were married for over 50 years and she survives him.

Joe was a music educator after his service to is country in the United States Navy.  He joined the armed services while in High School and went into the Navy after his graduation at the age of 17 on his mother’s signature. He served as a radio man on both coasts of the USA patrolling from a P-38.  After his service from the Navy, he graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.  He began his first teaching career in a one room school and later returned to school to complete his master’s degree in Music Education. At the university of Colorado, he taught both band and chorus in the early years eventually concentrating on vocal music at Western Wyoming College and Central Arizona College.  More than all his teaching achievements, his greatest accomplishment was his love for God, his family, and to see people come to Christ.  His great sense of humor made him a joy to be with, and his determination to plant and grow the Lord’s church was evident to all who knew him well.

Surviving family include his wife Glenda Secrest, Walton, IN: his children, Jon Eric (Glenda) Secrest, Kathy (Mike) Stow, SandraLee (Mark) Torkelson; his grandchildren, Evan Jon (Carly) Secrest, Caitlyn Denise Secrest, Michael Corbin (Sarah) Stow, Tiffany Ann Stow, Amanda Christine Torkelson (Vernon) Bridgewater, Daniel Mark (Jami) Torkelson, Luke Nathanael Torkelson, Abigail Ruth Torkelson (Charles) Storm, Anna Merida Torkelson (Jordan) Lynch, Sarah Elizabeth Torkelson, Grace Kathryn Torkelson (Chris) Ponchot and Faith Lorene Torkelson.  He is also survived by 17 great grandchildren, Hays and Evie Secrest, Sawyer Stow, Fiona, Henry and Hugh Bridgewater, Vivianna, Aryella, Lucia, IraLynn Elnora and Matthias Torkelson, Levi, Gideon, and Miriam Storm, Joanna Lynch and Susan Ponchot.  Joe is also survived by siblings, Charmis E. Manny of Wichita, Kansas and Rev. Ron Secrest of Magnolia, Delaware.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Joan McGuire Secrest, and one sister, Ruth Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 at Valley Fellowship Church , with son-in-law, Pastor Mike Stow officiating.  Visitaiton will take place from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. also at the church.   Burial will follow services at Deer Creek Cemetery near Onward, Indiana.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Valley Fellowship Church, 8892 E. Co. Rd. 500 S., Walton, IN. 46994.  Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

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