JOSEPH A. FLICK, SR.

Joseph A. Joe Flick Sr., 88, of Jefferson City, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Villa St. Francis Nursing Home, Olathe, Kans. He was born on Sept. 29, 1920, in Jefferson City, the son of Henry and Louise Hohm Flick, in the family home at the corner of Dunklin and Missouri Boulevard. The house is no longer there, having been replaced by highway improvements and a pawn store about twenty-five years ago. He was one of five children, a sibling having died in early childhood of diphtheria. Joe also suffered from that disease and had to learn to walk again at the age of five. His father repaired shoes, and sometimes his income was sporadic because money was hard to come by during the depression years. Henry fished and hunted to help keep his family fed. He also sold some of the land he had inherited from his father, from time to time, to help support the family. Joe was always used to hard work. He sold newspapers at the age of twelve underneath the clock at the Exchange National Bank before attending school each day at St. Peter Catholic School. He would buy the papers for a penny and sell them for two cents. He was proud to have supported himself from that time on. He also caddied at the Jefferson City Country Club and washed dishes at a restaurant. He was a 1938 graduate of Jefferson City High School. Joe was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and served in communications in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy until being honorable discharged in 1945. In 1951 he was drafted again and served in Korea where he was a bridge construction specialist. His service in the military resulted in a minor back disability and many decades later his hearing would decline due to proximity to artillery. Joe was a surveyor with the Missouri Department of Conservation for thirty-eight years, helping to construct fishing accesses, roads to wilderness areas, and conservation areas. He and his fellow associates were responsible for making Missouris conservation agency among the best in the nation. Future generations will be able to enjoy and cherish our natural treasures because of the MDCs work. He retired in 1983. He was married on May 21, 1946, in St. Elizabeth, Mo., to Corine Huhmann. They raised three children. Family was very important to Joe and Corine. They sacrificed so that their children could attend Catholic schools and receive higher education. All three children graduated from college and are productive members of society. Joe was blessed with good heath due in part to his love of walking. He was a constant fixture on Jefferson City roads and sidewalks, becoming known as Walking Joe. He combined his passion for walking with a desire to help the less fortunate. He would collect aluminum cans from various businesses and donate the proceeds to the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City. In later years he enjoyed walking around Wal-Mart and developed many friendships with the Wal-Mart employees. He was also a very good card player, Bridge being one of his favorite games. He excelled at Duplicate Bridge and could more than hold his own in competitive Bridge tournaments. He and Corine also enjoyed Pinochle and Pitch and often played cards with various circles of friends throughout their lives. Joe loved popcorn. During his years in the military, his mother would ship him large bags of popcorn which he popped for local children. After the war, he would treat the neighbors on summer nights to his delicious popcorn which was cooked in bacon grease in a pressure popper. Joe also loved little children. He called them Gods creations and always had a piece of candy for them. He loved to help others, his family, his friends, and anyone who needed a boost. When relatives became ill, Joe was the one relied upon to take care of various needs. He was always there, with unwavering devotion, to those in need. Joes faith was also very important. He did not wear it on his sleeve but lived it in his life of service to others. In 2006, Joe and Corine moved into Heisinger Bluffs retirement home in Jefferson City. In September, he suffered a stroke and his health began a quick decline. Although his disabilities were severe, he carried his cross with grace, dignity, and acceptance. On November 28th, he was called home. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Donald Distler, Leawood, Kan.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Amy Flick, Edmond, Okla.; and Joseph, Jr. and Sharon Flick, Independence, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Kate Distler, Baltimore, Md.; Joseph J. Flick, Christopher Flick, Monica Flick, and Marie Flick, all of Independence, Mo.; Matt Flick, Dallas, Tex.; and Phillip Flick and Megan Flick, both of Edmond, Okla.; and one sister and brother-in-law, Pauline Peachy and Clyde Kennett, Warson Woods, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Catherine Hoffman and Rosemary Payne. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Patrick G. Dolan officiating. Friends may greet the family at a luncheon immediately following in Pleus Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Samaritan Center, 1310 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the dulletrimble.com website.