Joseph Alfred

Joseph W. Alfred, 78, of Olathe, KS passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016.

Hearts are filled with love and celebrations abound as many celebrate Joe's birthday, more commonly known as St. Valentine's Day. He was born in 1938 in Harlan Kentucky. At age three Joe's family moved to the big city of Baltimore, Maryland where many of his relatives lived. He grew up attending schools in Baltimore.

He started his college days in Kentucky at Cumberland College transferring to Furman University in South Carolina. He married Janet Lowrey and they moved to Fairway, Kansas. Joe started working and their family grew. Joe was involved in many things. He went back to college getting his Bachelor's degree at the University of Kansas. Education kept beckoning Joe and he achieved his Master's degree in Special Education also from the University of Kansas.

Joe worked for the government for 53 years 4 months, until his retirement from General Services Administration on June 1, 2014. This was a proud accomplishment for Joe, not only the length but actually surpassing his father-in-laws career in government.

He had a several special loves that lasted just as long. He married Janet L.Willis on New Year's Eve., 1983 along with all of their children and friends joining in the celebration. Being a Kansas City Chiefs football season ticket holder was another. His face would beam along with an ear to ear smile when he told the story of when his daughter, father-in law and he attended the longest football game in history on Christmas Day, 1971 between the Chiefs and Miami Dolphins. He has been a season ticket holder since 1964. Golf was a game he enjoyed with his co-workers in earlier years. Joe was a long time member of Nall Avenue Baptist Church.


He was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph Weymon and Snowden (Osborne) Alfred.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Janet L. Alfred, of the home. Children are Jill Ellen married to Phil Wright of Leesburg, VA, Joy Allison Alfred of Olathe, KS and Joseph William Alfred of Overland Park, KS. His step-children are Christine Lynne Johnson of Kansas City, KS and Michele Reneé married to Darrin DelBrail of Arlington, TX. Grandchildren are Ashleigh and Nataly Wright and Matthew Johnson. Siblings include Martha Lynn married to Darnell King of MD and Robert Alfred also of MD. Joe has many family members in Kentucky, the Midwest and along the east coast.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.


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