Joe Birk

Joseph S. "Joe" Birk, 81, of Jackson passed away Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born Nov. 27, 1932, in Cape Girardeau, to Henry and Laura Schmuke Birk. He and Cherry Sue Seabaugh were married June 28, 1952.

Joe was a 1951 graduate of Jackson High School.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War.

Joe managed several gas stations in Jackson, was employed many years at Jim Wilson Co. in Cape Girardeau, and, upon retiring from Plaza Tire in Cape Girardeau, he owned and operated Crites Tavern in uptown Jackson 10 years.

He was an avid golfer and quail hunter. His memberships include Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, Elks Lodge 2651 and Kimbeland Country Club, all in Jackson; and VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

Loving survivors include his wife of 62 years, Cherry Sue Birk of Jackson; five children, Sue (Stan) Pierce of White House, Tennessee, Sally (Jim) Walker of Jackson, Sam (Jana) Birk of Cape Girardeau and Sherry (Charlie) Goshen and Shannon Birk of Jackson; nine grandchildren, Courtney (Bobby) Wilson, Leanne (Wayne) Booth, Lindsey (Adrian) Dawes, Chase Walker, Bridgette, Samuel Payne and Audrey Birk, and Max and Macy Goshen; six great-grandchildren, Summer, Brandon and Oliver Booth, Ashlyn and Liley Dawes and Carter Randen; and a brother, Bill (Bert) Birk of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his father; mother and stepfather, Laura and Wilson Lewis; and six beloved maternal aunts of the Schmuke family.

Visitation will begin with observing an American Legion service at 3 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Visitation will continue until 7 p.m.

A memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday, with the Rev. Dave Conley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southeast Hospice or the Jackson R-2 Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.