Joe Harrington

Joe Wayne Harrington, 82, of Nixa, passed away from natural causes on June 1, 2013. He was born to Dale and Frances (Inmon) Harrington in Springfield, June 23, 1930. Joe married Rosemond (Huber) Harrington on June 6, 1953 and the two were blessed with three children. He was a hard worker, dropping out of school in the 10th grade to help support his family. He enlisted in the military and served in both the Marine Corps and the Army in the Korean War. Joe spoke fondly of his military friends, and often told stories of how he spent 16 months in fox hole duty. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his brave service. He was very proud to have served his country. After returning from the war, Joe took up stock car racing and was the driver of a 1936 Coupe, which he fondly referred to as the "Blue Beetle."� He made his living as a meat cutter, and with Rosemond realized the American Dream when they opened the Harrington Meat Company in Nixa. Joe and Rosemond owned the meat company from 1962 to 1985, when they decided to try out retirement. However, Joe loved working and didn"�t stay retired long, as both him and Rosemond went to work for Silver Dollar City. There he smoked meats and made beans at the Rib House. Cooking was a favorite pastime of his, and there was never a shortage of food in the Harrington household. After retiring the second time, Joe and Rosemond spent winters with their friends at the beach in Padre Island, Texas. When Joe was 72, he received a well-deserved Honorary Diploma from Nixa High School, graduating with his granddaughter, Andrea. Joe was survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Rosemond (Huber) Harrington, his three children, Beverly and Steve Gann of Chestnut Ridge, Judy Long and Doug Long of Nixa, and Joe and Leanette Harrington of Ozark; his four grandchildren Matthew and Beth Gann of Springfield, Mark and Rochelle Gann of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jacob and Paige Harrington of Nixa, and Andrea Long of Nixa; his four great- grandchildren Braxton and Brock Gann, and Sophia and Hunter Gann; and many, many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Francis and Don Gray. The family would like to thank Steve Barnes and Dr. MacMillen for taking such wonderful care of Joe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe"�s name to the American Diabetes Foundation or the Disabled American Veterans. A visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2013, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 11:00 A.M, at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.