In memory of Joe Overlease (a.k.a. Joe Cocker)

Joe Dale Overlease Jr., a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 25, 2024, at his home in Miller, MO.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Joe served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. His dedication to service and love of country remained a source of pride and inspiration throughout his life.

Joe had a profound love for Cocker Spaniels and dedicated much of his life to breeding these beloved dogs through Fort Cocker, a name well-known in the Cocker Spaniel community. He brought joy not only to the families who welcomed his puppies into their homes but also to himself, as he saw his mission as more than a business—it was a labor of love. Together with his beloved wife, Cherri, who passed away in March 2024, Joe devoted decades to ensuring that every Cocker Spaniel they raised found a loving and safe forever home. Their legacy is evident in the countless families whose lives they touched.

At Joe's request, his sons, Mike and Bryan, are committed to continuing the C&J Cocker business to preserve the legacy and relationships that Joe and Cherri worked so hard to build. This is not just a way to honor their memory but also to uphold the passion they both shared for these incredible dogs.

The past year has been incredibly difficult for our family. Beyond the emotional toll of losing both Joe and Cherri, we now face significant financial strain due to end-of-life expenses and personal debts left behind. While we are working hard to manage these challenges, the reality is that we cannot do it alone.

To honor Joe and Cherri’s memory and help us move forward, we’ve set up a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised will be used to cover immediate financial obligations, including end-of-life expenses and debts, and to support our efforts to keep C&J Cocker running in their memory.

How You Can Help:

If Joe or Cherri touched your life, or if you share their love for Cocker Spaniels, we invite you to contribute to this fundraiser. Any amount, no matter the size, would mean the world to us and help carry forward their legacy.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser with others who may want to honor Joe and Cherri would also make a huge difference.

Thank you for being part of this community and for loving Joe, Cherri, and their dogs as much as they loved all of you. Your kindness, generosity, and support mean more to us than words can express.