Memories of Joe
- Joe Condo by Valerie Wilson, Daughter
It is truly impossible to capture the essence of a great man like Joe Condo on paper. He was manly but gentle, brilliant but humble, accomplished but never assuming. He loved an adventure. Trials were just a normal part of life that you overcame. Big trucks, boats and all terrain vehicles were to be enjoyed by all no matter your age. Respect was expected and he was swift to correct any of us for forgetting that. He was generous with what he had, however we were taught to never waste a penny. He loved an element of danger in solving an issue. Pranks and jokes were a normal part of his day. He loved a good laugh. He could laugh at himself too.
Dad was always confident in his own identity. His moral compass was trustworthy and we could count on him to be consistent. To be our rock. He placed a very high value on his relationship with Jesus Christ and modeled friendship with God. That was his number one value.
Joe was the most available father and grandfather I have ever known. Never once in my memory did he ever say he was too busy, or uninterested in my request. I did not ever wonder about my importance in his heart.
To say I miss him now is an immense understatement. Almost daily, I see something that reminds me of him. Almost daily, I hear him teaching me some great truth in that unassuming way of his. I remind myself the bible assures me that I will see him again. That same word also tells me about the cloud of witnesses that is watching and rooting for me. I have no doubt my daddy is the loudest cheerleader. Probably giving alternate ways of accomplishing the goals I’m attempting with his engineering mind. I know he’s proud of me regardless, just because he always told me so.
This is but a brief synopsis of a man that lived for a while on the earth, now he lives in heaven, and he lives on in me, his daughter. Nothing can truly capture the great man he is, but to me he’s my daddy.
- Memories of Joe by Derek Dwilson, Grandson
Growing up, my grandfather was someone I always looked up to and aspired to be like. He had fun. He took chances. He was a fun adult and I genuinely felt that he cared for me.
Arriving at grandpa’s house (or as we called him “Paw Paw”), you might see Joe speeding by on his four wheeler – taking some family member on the bumpy path. Or he might be leaning over my cousin’s car, checking bolts and gauges and spark plugs or changing a belt. He might be welding in his shop or unveiling a tree house he built for the grandkids (us).
Joe worked a lot, and took part in many church activities – but he always found time to spend with family. And to help family. Like the time I needed a tow out of a muddy field at 4 in the morning. He was there an hour later with his favorite tractor.
He had a great memory, and so he told some amazing stories. He’d describe how he worked his way up while working on the oil rigs. He managed to work a 40 hour shift once from atop an oil derrick. His trademark was that he’d descend every day using the “emergency” method of sliding down a steep rope. It impressed his boss and earned him a permanent position and higher pay.
My grandfather was above all else a man who was dedicated to his principles. This was as true in his young age as it was in his old. My grandfather told me of how he’d helped his family buy a plot of land which ended up being worth quite a lot. He’d contributed greatly to acquiring it, but was utterly cut out of the family inheritance when he refused to become a Mormon with his father and brother.
But Joe was also fortunate, as he would tell you. The land he later bought in Grand Prairie had gas deposits underneath it. So in addition to his salary working as an inspector for the FAA, he was able to receive royalty checks. He also ran a small trailer park on the corner of his property. Joe worked as a garbage man. He trained horses. And he even ran a full service gas station with his wife and children.
My grandfather loved adventure and he was bold and young at heart. He was generous with family, with friends, and with those in need. He was generous with his money and with his time – especially for his family.
He hated corn because when he was a child during the great depression, he ate nothing but corn for many months in a row. He hated to wear a seat belt because he felt that it was government overreach. He smoked cigarettes for 20 years, and quit for more than 20 more. He told me that despite the fact that he never once relapsed – the temptation to smoke had haunted him every day of his life.
When I was getting married, he was in his late seventies. We designed and built a large trellis together from a tree in his backyard. A trellis that I would later say my vows under. I remember watching as my grandfather set a ladder against a tree, grabbed a gas-powered chainsaw in his left hand, and began climbing that ladder with his right. Three rungs up and he was starting the engine, sawing through a thick limb that fell with a massive thud. Even in his late seventies, that was Joe taking risks. He was never going to “act his age”.
I learned so much from him about what it means to be a man, to be brave, and to be loving. I admired him as a young man, and that admiration only grew and matured as time went by. Losing him has been one of the hardest times in my life. But I will treasure the times we spent together and the things I learned from him. I am truly blessed to have had a grandfather like Joe.
- Notes Left on Joe’s Tribute Wall
Ruth Cupp Stafford
Joe you are a sweetheart, you will be greatly miss. I know my Daddy will see you when you get to heaven. Love you.
Posted on October 16, 2014 11:27 AM
Michael Waldrop
Joe will be missed by those of us who had the opportunity to work with him during his DER career. Condolences to surviving family.
Posted on June 10, 2014 10:54 AM
Freda Taylor Blair
So sorry your loss. Joe was a friend of my brother and sister Junior and Kathryn and my late sister, Etta and myself, Freda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We all lived near Reydon, Ok. Freda Blair
Posted on June 8, 2014 1:15 AM
Jim Acree
Great Guy, Great Life, RIP.
Posted on June 6, 2014 8:09 PM
Robert Feazell
Joe set a very high standard and example to us all for is his dedication to the Aviation industry and people he helped so much all of his life. Thank you Joe and God Bless you. you will be missed
Posted on June 6, 2014 12:12 PM
Ken Farsi
God Bless to a peer. RIP.
Posted on June 6, 2014 11:12 AM
Susan oliver
So sorry to hear of his passing. I always thought of him as a gentle giant. He is loving heaven right now, I’m sure of it.
Posted on June 6, 2014 8:54 AM
Daniel and Carol Ratliff
Joe was a great person. Lots of memories of times with him. He had a great personality.
Posted on June 6, 2014 1:27 AM
Howard & Debby Capehart
Danielle we’re praying that God will be with you and your family and give you comfort and peace during this painful time. Your daddy was a very sweet man and I know he’ll be greatly missed. Our hearts truly go out to all of you. God Bless and we love y’all,
Posted on June 6, 2014 12:05 AM
Greg & Kim Gentry
Lavada & Family, so very sorry to hear about Joe. He was one of a kind and I wouldn’t trade anything in this world for the friendship & advice he’s given me over the years. May God’s Peace be with all of you in the days ahead. Love & Prayers to all. Greg, Kim & Ryan
Posted on June 5, 2014 5:41 PM
Judy Dunn
I am so thankful I got to meet Joe at the family reunions. He was a true joy to be around and he seemed to always be enjoying himself. Brogan, Destini and I will always remember him fondly. Hugs to Lavada and family – thanks for the memories Joe
Posted on June 5, 2014 4:08 PM
Gene & Gerri Ross
May Joe,a good friend, rest in peace the living GOD.
Posted on June 5, 2014 1:28 PM
Hack & Carol Ratliff
We are deeply saddened for the loss of our brother-in-law Joe and will miss him. Love and comfort to Lavada, Danielle, Joe, Jr. and Valerie and their families. Our hearts will always remember him; Goodbye to our “Good Ol’ Joe”.
Posted on June 5, 2014 1:02 PM
Jerry D. Gentry
Sympathy goes out to the Condo family. Joe Was a wonderful and loving family man. His legacy will live on for years to come. You were better off for knowing him.
Posted on June 5, 2014 1:54 AM
Karen Qunn James
I am so sorry to hear about Mr.Condo. He was a great person and loved his family. He will be greatly missed. Stay strong and keep the memories you have of him forever. Don’t ever forget what a great person he was. Karen Quinn James
Posted on June 4, 2014 9:50 PM
Linda Shults
I am extremely saddened by the lose of such a wonderful man, but am truly grateful that I got to know Joe and his loving and kind heart. He has left a legacy of wonderful memories, and a beautiful family to carry on his good deeds on this earth. Love to Lavada and your family.
Posted on June 4, 2014 8:35 PM