Joseph W. Marnett

JOSEPH W. MARNETT
On March 25, 2015, Joe Marnett, age 96, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joe entered the world on May 5, 1918 as the eldest of seven children born in Kansas City, Kansas to Joseph W. Marnett Sr and Magdalene (Mandel) Marnett. He attended St. Anthony Grade School and Bishop Ward High School, then graduated from Rockhurst University with a business degree. He worked for a time with his father, head cattle buyer at the Kansas City stockyards, before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He trained as a navigator, using stars and constellations to direct his pilots. Joe attained the rank of Lieutenant and was selected to join an elite team of nine men who volunteered to fly dangerous missions in a B-24 Liberator bomber. His team was assigned the final flight of the war, a low-altitude run through Tokyo Bay that tested the Japanese statement of surrender. In later years he spoke of this mission and marveled that although guns embedded in caves throughout the bay tracked their flight, no shots were fired on either side, which verified Japanese intent to end the war. Remarkably, his team completed their assignments without losing a single man, and Joe maintained contact with them throughout his life.
Joe returned to marry the girl whose letters had inspired and supported him, Clara Stark. They spent 44 years raising five children, an equally perilous assignment. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of reading and memories of his deep voice singing quietly. His presence was calming and he taught by example. He did not give advice unless directly solicited, and even then, close attention to nuance was necessary. Ever the father, he required his adult children, even after they had families of their own, to confirm their safe arrival home after visiting him.
He loved Sunday picnics, traveling by car, fishing, tennis, and golf. He played baseball on an Italian-American team, listed on the roster as Joe Martinelli. He enjoyed music; a favorite memory recalled a concert he attended where Jascha Heifetz indulged an encore request with a rousing violin version of Pistol Packin Mama.
Joe spent his entire career with the United States Postal Service in Kansas City and Wichita. He began as a mail carrier and advanced into senior management, becoming Regional Director of Personnel and Customer Service. Toward the end of his career he was given the assignment to oversee transfer of operations to a new post office in Wichita. He was most proud that the move was accomplished in a single weekday, while carriers completed all mail deliveries throughout the city.
In his later years, Joe again fell deeply in love. He married Mary Louise (Sumpter) Stark and spent the last eight years of his life in her constant company. They were an adorable couple; their sharp wits played off each other to the delight of family and friends. She made his life comfortable and interesting, and she rekindled his love of books. He made his own library selections, and was always happy to talk about his latest read.
Faith was a central theme in Joes life. He was a member of St. Anthonys Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where he was baptized and returned to worship in his last years. He served as an usher, Eucharistic minister, and volunteer in the Holy Name Society and Society of St. Vincent de Paul. After his retirement he began making rosaries, which he sent by the hundreds to missions all over the world. For his family and dear friends, Joe made rosaries just for them, each designed to suit the recipient. Joe found peace, comfort and strength during the hours he spent in prayerful contemplation.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved Clara Marnett, sons William and Edward Marnett, brothers Lawrence, John and Paul Marnett, and sisters Rosemary and Jane Marnett. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Louise Marnett, children Jane and Michael Rachel, Elaine and David Good, and James Marnett. His grandchildren were the light of his life, as he was for theirs: Mark and Claire Rachel, Emily Good, and Jason and Ryan Marnett. He is also survived by his brother Walter Marnett and wife Shirley, and numerous nieces and nephews.
During the last month of his life, Joe received outstanding care and emotional support from the compassionate and fun-loving 6 South nurses at Saint Lukes Hospital Mid-America Heart Institute. Joes final days were spent at home, a blessing made possible by Kono Garba and the kind, respectful caregivers at MetroCare Staffing, LLC. Joe and Kono formed a quick bond, and his MetroCare staff gently tended every need of Joe and his family. Their presence provided relief and comfort at a time when it was greatly needed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Mary-St. Anthony Church Memorial Fund in Kansas City, Kansas or Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, in recognition of his nephew, Earnest Stark. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 28, at 10:30 AM, with Visitation, 9:30 to 10:30 AM at St. Mary-St. Anthony Catholic Church, 615 N. 7th, KCKS, 66101. Burial immediately following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Joe was memorable; tall in stature, quick-witted and beloved by all who knew him. He was wise, an excellent judge of character, and a good and loyal friend. He often encountered friends and acquaintances while traveling around Kansas City or Wichita and beyond. For them and his family, his legacy, spirit and presence will not soon fade. V Condolences may be expressed to the family at [emailprotected]
JOSEPH W. MARNETT On March 25, 2015, Joe Marnett, age 96, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joe entered the world on May 5, 1918 as the eldest of seven children born in Kansas City, Kansas to Joseph W. Marnett Sr and Magdalene (Mandel) Marnett. He attended St. Anthony Grade School and Bishop Ward High School, then graduated from Rockhurst University with a business degree. He worked for a time with his father, head cattle buyer at the Kansas City stockyards, before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He trained as a navigator, using stars and constellations to direct his pilots. Joe attained the rank of Lieutenant and was selected to join an elite team of nine men who volunteered to fly dangerous missions in a B-24 Liberator bomber. His team was assigned the final flight of the war, a low-altitude run through Tokyo Bay that tested the Japanese statement of surrender. In later years he spoke of this mission and marveled that although guns embedded in caves throughout the bay tracked their flight, no shots were fired on either side, which verified Japanese intent to end the war. Remarkably, his team completed their assignments without losing a single man, and Joe maintained contact with them throughout his life. Joe returned to marry the girl whose letters had inspired and supported him, Clara Stark. They spent 44 years raising five children, an equally perilous assignment. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of reading and memories of his deep voice singing quietly. His presence was calming and he taught by example. He did not give advice unless directly solicited, and even then, close attention to nuance was necessary. Ever the father, he required his adult children, even after they had families of their own, to confirm their safe arrival home after visiting him. He loved Sunday picnics, traveling by car, fishing, tennis, and golf. He played baseball on an Italian-American team, listed on the roster as Joe Martinelli. He enjoyed music; a favorite memory recalled a concert he attended where Jascha Heifetz indulged an encore request with a rousing violin version of Pistol Packin Mama. Joe spent his entire career with the United States Postal Service in Kansas City and Wichita. He began as a mail carrier and advanced into senior management, becoming Regional Director of Personnel and Customer Service. Toward the end of his career he was given the assignment to oversee transfer of operations to a new post office in Wichita. He was most proud that the move was accomplished in a single weekday, while carriers completed all mail deliveries throughout the city. In his later years, Joe again fell deeply in love. He married Mary Louise (Sumpter) Stark and spent the last eight years of his life in her constant company. They were an adorable couple; their sharp wits played off each other to the delight of family and friends. She made his life comfortable and interesting, and she rekindled his love of books. He made his own library selections, and was always happy to talk about his latest read. Faith was a central theme in Joes life. He was a member of St. Anthonys Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where he was baptized and returned to worship in his last years. He served as an usher, Eucharistic minister, and volunteer in the Holy Name Society and Society of St. Vincent de Paul. After his retirement he began making rosaries, which he sent by the hundreds to missions all over the world. For his family and dear friends, Joe made rosaries just for them, each designed to suit the recipient. Joe found peace, comfort and strength during the hours he spent in prayerful contemplation. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved Clara Marnett, sons William and Edward Marnett, brothers Lawrence, John and Paul Marnett, and sisters Rosemary and Jane Marnett. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Louise Marnett, children Jane and Michael Rachel, Elaine and David Good, and James Marnett. His grandchildren were the light of his life, as he was for theirs: Mark and Claire Rachel, Emily Good, and Jason and Ryan Marnett. He is also survived by his brother Walter Marnett and wife Shirley, and numerous nieces and nephews. During the last month of his life, Joe received outstanding care and emotional support from the compassionate and fun-loving 6 South nurses at Saint Lukes Hospital Mid-America Heart Institute. Joes final days were spent at home, a blessing made possible by Kono Garba and the kind, respectful caregivers at MetroCare Staffing, LLC. Joe and Kono formed a quick bond, and his MetroCare staff gently tended every need of Joe and his family. Their presence provided relief and comfort at a time when it was greatly needed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Mary-St. Anthony Church Memorial Fund in Kansas City, Kansas or Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, in recognition of his nephew, Earnest Stark. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 28, at 10:30 AM, with Visitation, 9:30 to 10:30 AM at St. Mary-St. Anthony Catholic Church, 615 N. 7th, KCKS, 66101. Burial immediately following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Joe was memorable; tall in stature, quick-witted and beloved by all who knew him. He was wise, an excellent judge of character, and a good and loyal friend. He often encountered friends and acquaintances while traveling around Kansas City or Wichita and beyond. For them and his family, his legacy, spirit and presence will not soon fade. V Condolences may be expressed to the family at [emailprotected]
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