Joe Gassaway

Joseph Gassaway departed from this world on September 4, 2023, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and a life well-lived.

He was born on September 25, 1948, in West Helena, Arkansas, to his loving parents, Loretta L. Byram and Edward Franklin Gassaway.

Joe cherished his family above all else, finding his greatest joy in the company of his beloved wife, Brenda, their four cherished sons, Tristan, Cory, Matthew, and Adam, and the generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called him "Pa." He adored his family and leaves behind treasured memories with them all.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mathmatics, and spent decades teaching math with care and kindness, making lasting impacts on the lives of countless students and educators in Alma and DeQueen, Arkansas. Joe's influence extended far beyond the classroom, as he instilled in his students a love for learning and a commitment to excellence.

Never one to sit still, Joe also served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Airforce, and spent many summers working as park ranger with the National Parks Service.

Joe is survived by his wife, Brenda Gassaway, four sons and daughters-in-law, Tristan and Stacey, Cory and Rachel Putman, Matthew and Sara Putman, Adam Putman and Nina Shirkey; grandchildren, Sara, Hannah, Kyler, Skyler, Cade, Jayden, Miles, Adrian, Keira, Alex, Jude, Clementine and Xander; great-grandchildren, Jane and Layla; siblings, Bobby Lynn Gassaway and Rebeca Kay Gassaway Baskin, and a host of friends and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Loretta Gassaway and a brother, Wayne Gassaway.

A military service to honor Joe’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. A viewing will be held at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith Sunday, September 10, from 1-4 p.m. Friends and family are

invited to gather and share their memories of Joe.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made here.