Michael "Joe" Joseph Yox Sr.

Michael Joseph Yox, Sr., born November 26, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully with his children by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and faithful Catholic, Michael, known as “Joe” to his family and friends, lived a life marked by dedication to family, faith, and country.

Joe proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. On March 6, 1953, nineteen-year-old Joe was serving as a firefighting “hot suit” on the deck when a plane returned to the ship with an unexploded bomb. It released upon landing and exploded causing a huge hole in the Oriskany’s wooden deck and killing a sailor and a photo-journalist. Joe and a second “hot suit” rescued the pilot by cutting him out of the cockpit while fire teams extinguished the flames.

Following his military service, he built a long and honorable career as a Teamster truck driver, working for 42 years. Before his retirement, Joe and Madelyn worked for Charles A. Klein & Sons in Sykesville, MD. They moved to Sierra Vista, AZ, and spent 6 years there before Madelyn’s death in 2003. In retirement Joe became an avid golfer, earning a 9-handicap and making a hole-in-one while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Joe was a medical bulldog, overcoming cancer in 1964, 2007, and 2009.

Joe was truly a gentle giant, slow to anger, and always ready to help others. His greatest joy was in his role as Daddy, Pop, and Great-Pop. In 2021, Joe moved to Arkansas to be near his oldest daughter, Susan, who became his caregiver.

A lifelong Catholic, Joe’s faith remained central to his life; his scapular was a constant and meaningful symbol of his devotion. He was a passionate fan of the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Colts, and after retirement, he enjoyed traveling extensively.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Madelyn E. Yox; his parents, Clarence Michael Yox and Eleanor Amanda (Prager) Yox; his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Yox; and Mary Ellen Yox.

Joe is survived by his children: Susan (Charles) Peterson; Debbie (Ron) Scott; and Michael (Judith) Yox, Jr.

He was a proud grandfather to Sara Dalton, Justin Dalton, Christopher (Alecia) Scott, Sandy (Cody) Allen, Jennifer Yox, and Kaitlin (Benjamin) Naumann.

He was further blessed with great-grandchildren: Taylor Scott, Madelyn Scott, Nolan Allen, Taylor Allen, Maryn Allen, Lucas Naumann, and Juliana Naumann.

He is also survived by his siblings: Henry (Kathleen) Yox of Shelbyville, Delaware, John Yox of Skiatook, Oklahoma, and Mary Yox of Annapolis, Maryland.

Joe will be remembered for his steadfast faith, strong work ethic, love of family, and enduring pride in his Baltimore roots. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice for their caring compassion. Joe always supported veterans. If you feel so inclined, you may make a donation in his memory to Tunnel2Towers (t2t.org)