Joseph Benjamin Pottebaum

Joseph Benjamin Pottebaum, 91, of Higbee, MO passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022. He was born in McKittrick, MO on December 27, 1930. He grew up in, and around Rhineland, MO. He is survived by his wife Madge of the home. They were married on September 8, 1967. Joe is also survived by daughters, Verna Fleetwood of Glasgow, MO, Karen Fuemmeler and husband Harold of Huntsville, MO, Jane Clark and husband Rob of Higbee, MO, Angela Maddox and significant other Jimmy Dennis of Glasgow, MO, Amy Switzer and husband Ricky of Higbee, MO, and son Michael Pottebaum of Higbee, MO, and Daughter-in-law Lucy Gertz of Boston, MA. Joe is also survived by one brother Jake Pottebaum and wife Wanda of Washington, MO, sister-in-law Virginia Pottebaum of Mexico, MO, brother-in-law Mike Purdy and wife Debbie of Sandia, TX. Joe is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Lorene Pottebaum, father and mother-in-law Bill and Colleen Purdy, brothers George, Leo Pottebaum and his wife Audrey, son Larry Joe Pottebaum, son-in-law Russell Maddox, and 2 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Joe served his country in the United States Army from September 20, 1954—August 15, 1956. He was stationed stateside in Arkansas, Colorado, and overseas in Germany.
Joe was a long time Boy Scouts of America leader for 20+ years between Glasgow, MO and Higbee, MO. Many young men ate a lot of HOBO stew with Joe, they learned many other valuable life lessons under his watch and leadership, as well. He received several awards over the years in scouting, including the Scouting District Award of Merit.
One of Joe’s many passions in life was being a volunteer firefighter for 50+ years. He served Hermann, Glasgow, and Higbee, MO. He was the Fire Chief for the City of Higbee and the first Fire Chief for the Higbee Area Fire Protection District and, was a First Responder for Randolph County.

Joe retired from American Recreation Products, Inc (Hawthorn/Kellwood) in Glasgow, MO in 1994 after 31 ½ years. Joe enjoyed fishing, watching his children play sports, working for local farmers, and in his later years Joe enjoyed riding his golf cart around town with his beloved grand-dog “D”, and aggravating his grandkids with his arguing and fist bumping skills. He was one of a kind storyteller that will be missed by anyone that knew him.

A funeral service has been scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, Moberly, MO. A visitation will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment to follow at Higbee City Cemetery, Higbee, MO. Memorial contributions can be made to the Higbee Area Fire Protection District or the Higbee Booster Club.

Arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.