1st Sgt. Joseph H. Demoran

1st Sgt. Joseph H. Demoran was called home by his Savior on Friday, April 24th, 2015. He was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on November 11, 1938 to Albert and Annie (David) Demoran. Dad devoted his life to the Marine Corps. Enlisting at an early age, his military career included duties in Mexico, Thailand, Cape Town, South Africa, and a tour in Vietnam where he was awarded two Purple Hearts. While a Marine Recruiter in La Crosse, Wisconsin, he met and married Sandra Kammel. They had two “dawters” and his family accompanied him on several assignments, allowing them to experience many different cultures and lifestyles. He was as proud of serving his country as we were of him. After retirement, he became Deputy Sheriff in Colorado Springs, Colorado and later returned to Wisconsin. Not a fan of cold weather, he moved back south to the state of Mississippi where he was born and raised. He made his home at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, where he shared good times and lots of laughs with other veterans. He touched many lives. Always a southerner, Dad loved the Saints (but we know that he had a special “like” for the Green Bay Packers). Dad enjoyed fishing, crabbing, singing karaoke, playing bingo and was an ace at crossword puzzles. He loved his casino trips and won more than his fair share of jackpots, which he shared generously with those of us who were not so lucky. Some of his favorite things were going to movies with his kids and grandkids and taking his four-legged friends to the dog park. He shared a special bond with his Navy buddy, Lyman Adams, as his “partner in crime.” They often joked about why they should have to pay rent (Pshaw!), as they were always on the go. Though he was a tough guy, dad was a jokester and loved to have fun. He could always make you laugh. Joe is survived by his wife, Sandra, two daughters, Shelly (Douglas) Fortner, Laurie (Christopher) Colburn, sisters Jerry Lynn and Jessie Ann Weber, brother David (Russell) Weber-Williams, stepfather Jess (Doris) Weber, and four grandchildren Jordan (Candace) Demoran, Cassidy Yates, and Kyle and Abbey Colburn. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lila Wade. Our heartfelt gratitude to Doug Smith and Susie Baumunk, who were always there for him and whom he loved dearly. Dad had a lot of friends but his best ones were hand picked. You were specially chosen if you were in his life. Dad, you are so loved and we will miss you, but we know you are happy and healthy now in God’s great kingdom playing with your dog Jag. You are and always will be a United States Marine. SEMPER FI The mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 11:15 a.m. at the Armed Forces Retirement Home where friends may visit one hour before the Mass. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps. The family prefers memorials to the church or charity of your choice. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.