A service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia. Brother David Spiece will be officiating. The family will received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Joe was born on December 11, 1947 to the late Joseph Odis and Ida Edith Petri Roque. Joe faithfully served his country for 22 years. He began his military career with the United States Navy and transferred to the United States Army. After joining the Army, he completed Warrant Officer School at Fort Rucker, AL. Joe obtained many decorations and medals during his service to include: Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Naval Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal w/Clasp, Bronze, 2 Loops, national Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Meritorious Unit Commendation w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Naval Unit Citation, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon w/Numerals 2, Aircraft Crewman Badge. Joe’s Primary Specialty titles were: 100EO Attack Helicopter Pilot, 3 years 3 months and Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot for 3 years 3 months.
After Joe’s retirement from his military career he began a new career in civilian life as a police officer with the Gwinnett Police Department where he served for 20 years. He also served as the Police Chief of the Cuthbert Police Department. Joe was a faithful member of The Columbus Church where he was active in mission work in the Dominican Republic. He was a past President of the NAM Knights Motorcycle Club and a charter member of the Chattahoochee Valley Chapter. Joe was a member of the VFW, Post 5255. He also enjoyed many hobbies to include, Scuba Diving, Golf, and Bee Keeping. Joe never met a stranger and loved being with his family.
We will miss his presence daily, but his memory will live forever in our hearts.
Joe leaves his loving memory to be cherished by his wife, Connie; his four children, Joseph Roque, Jennifer Roque-Pearson (Martie), Joshua Roque (Mishala) and Amber Yochum; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three step sons, Jaime Matyas (Christie), Chris Matyas and Nick Matyas (Naomi); six step grandsons; one step great-granddaughter; his two sisters, Linda Guenther and Helen Smith; his brother, Clarence Roque; and his family at The Columbus Church.
In keeping with the efforts to control the spread of the Corona Virus, attendees will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing guidelines.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in memory of Joe to the USO, www.uso.org or to The Columbus Church to further the Brown Bag and El Cacique Missions, 5900 Coca Cola Blvd, Suite B, Columbus, GA, 31909.
To offer condolences or to share a favorite memory, please visit www.shcolumbus.com.
