Obituary of Joe Turner Hoefer

Joe Turner Hoefer, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. He was 89 years old and had been in failing health for several months. Joe was born in Doniphan, MO to Carl Louis and Mazie (Turner) Hoefer. He was the sixth child of the nine Hoefer offspring. Joe lived in Doniphan most of his life, living in the family home which the Hoefer family occupied for 94 years. He was a graduate of Doniphan High School and a member of the First Baptist Church. Joe joined the Air Force soon after high school graduation and served during the Korean War. He worked for Missouri Forestry and was a guide on Current River. As an employee of Magnolia Oil Company, Joe enjoyed working in Alaska and other states. Through work and pleasure trips, he managed to visit most of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Joe was an avid reader, history buff, outdoor sportsman, and enjoyed politics. He was an environmentalist and loved the Current River. He loved the river, not just for sporting activities, but for its beauty in nature. Since he loved games, his nieces and nephews always knew Uncle Joe would be ready to play cards and board games at family gatherings. Mr. Hoefer was preceded in death by his parents and four older sisters, Frances (Howard) Tooke, Marjorie (John) Thompson, Mary (Bernard) Nenninger, and Betty J. Hoefer. Also preceding him are five brothers-in-law, Howard Tooke, John Thompson, B.H. Nenninger, John Whitelock, and G.M. Smith. Survivors include one brother, Jack Carl Hoefer of Knoxville, TN and three sisters, Shirley Whitelock of Eureka, MO, Martha Hoefer, also of Eureka, and Rosie Smith of Springfield, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joe donated his body to the University of Missouri for medical research. He will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in his name to the Ripley County Soil and Water Conservation District, 63 Confederate Ridge Road, Doniphan, MO 63935 and the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association.