Joe Wayne Nolan

(Grumpy)

Joe W. Nolan, 58, of Springfield, MO went to be with his Lord on July 18, 2016.

Joe was born June 16th, 1958, in Harlan County, Kentucky, to Joe and Bernice (Gross) Nolan. Throughout his school career he always enjoyed achieving and doing his best to be the best. He graduated as Senior Class President at Colonel White H.S. in 1976 of Dayton, Ohio. Later that summer he proudly joined the United States Marine Corp. He attended boot camp in Parris Island, SC, and was stationed at Cherry Point, NC. After years of serving his country he was needed home to help his mother with the raising of his 3 youngest sisters. At 29 he had his first-born daughter, followed by his youngest at the age of 30, who he raised with pride as a single father since the age of 2 & 3 years of age.

At 38, he furthered his education while living in Kentucky at Kentucky Tech majoring in electricity and HVAC. Joe was top of his class and joined VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), where he was elected VICA's Post-Secondary Parliamentarian. During his time there he won several medals in leadership competition at regional and state levels.

Joe was a hero to his younger sisters in times of trouble. He was also a hero to his oldest daughter, which was his miracle baby, where he talked her out of a traumatic coma. Never leaving her side, even when doctors said she wouldn't make it. Not only was Joe a hero to his loved ones, but to his community and anyone in need of help. Joe was the utmost perfect father and the best grandpa to his 6 grandkids, which he was very proud of and cherished with all his heart. His grandkids called him Grumpy, which fit him very well. He greatly loved the outdoors, from backpacking, hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and much more. He also loved instruments, while his favorite was playing the trumpet, in which he was very excellent in doing so. Joe also loved to wood craft and tinkering. He did it all, from making ships in a bottle, swing sets, teeter totters, to his kitchen and coffee table. He enjoyed making anything that was a challenge and always kept busy with different projects. Joe was an extraordinary individual who did numerous of noble deeds, if we were to name them all it would take several days. He touched everyone he knew and was loved by many.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice (Gross) Nolan; his father, Joe Nolan; and his older sister, Vernice Yahle.

His sisters survive him: Sandy, Laura, Bobby Jean, Linda, Karen, Kimberly, Iris, and Kate. His two daughters and their spouses, Camille and Brandon Mitchell and Kimberly and Kody Lee, survive him. His only son, whom he helped raise, Jessie James Horsman survives him. His 6 grandbabies, Candice, Mykyla, Adreonna, Armani, Riko, and Kaiden also survived Joe.

Joe's visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 26th, 2016 at Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services from 5pm-7pm.

We want to give sincere thanks Midwest Cremation and to everyone, friends, and family who has helped in this time of need. Also a huge thanks to the Veterans Affairs for all they've done to help by saying thanks for his honorable service to the Marine Corp.

For everyone who knew Joe will carry him in their hearts and will forever get to cherish every memory they shared. He will be remembered as the strongest, smartest, and most determined man we know. In Loving memory of our dearest friend, brother, father, and grandfather (Grumpy), Joe Wayne Nolan. Semper-fi.

A million words wouldn't bring you back. I know, because I've tried!! Neither would a million tears. I know, because I've cried. You were our biggest supporter, our truest believer, and a role model for many. So, if tears could build a stairway, and memories build a lane, we'd walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again. You're the biggest blessing a child could ask for. Fly high! Watch over us, guide us, and walk with us Daddy, until we meet again.