Joseph Leo Vogel

Joe is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rita Ann (Cummins) Vogel; daughters, Aja Williams, Dorothy (Mike) Seykora, Mary Ana (Harold) Gilbert, Anya Cara, and Trish Vogel; grandchildren, Savannah (Jon) Correll, Caitlin (Sean Kissinger) Seykora, Jessica (Robert) Perry, and Craig (Viri) Seykora, Matthew (Allison) Williams, Jonathon (Jennifer) Williams, and Stephanie McGrail; great grandchildren, Maverick, Finley, and Noelle Kissinger, Leo Perry, Zachary and Samantha Williams, Michael and Scott Williams, Griffin and Rowan McGrail; and sister, Mary Ann (Arthur) Mowry. He is predeceased in death by parents, Lambert and Dorothy (Worman) Vogel and brothers, Lambert (Betty) Vogel, Thomas (Shirley) Vogel; and unborn children, Angela, Christine, Joseph, and Margaret.

Joe was born on August 20, 1932 in Ashland, OH to Lambert and Dorothy (Worman) Vogel. He graduated from The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1955 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Education, and George Washington University in 1967 with a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He married Rita Ann Cummins of N. Ridgeville, OH on November 12, 1955 and reported for US Air Force pilot training within the month. He was trained as a jet fighter pilot with an additional duty of Public Relations. Through their seven years on active duty, Joe and Rita moved 17 times and had 5 daughters, hosted a radio show, and fostered community outreach. They returned to and settled in Savannah, Ohio to raise their family on a small farm. Joe taught elementary, middle, and high school art before joining the Ohio Air National Guard full-time with the 164th Fighter Squadron which later became the 179th Airlift Wing at Lahm Airport in Mansfield, OH. He attended Air Command and Staff College and Air War College in residence and subsequently moved to Upper Arlington, OH (near Columbus) where he was the Executive Officer for the Adjutant General of the State of Ohio. Colonel Joseph L. Vogel retired after a combined 30 years of full-time military service as the Base Commander at Rickenbacker ANG Base. He flew T-33s, F-84s, KC-97s, T-39s, L-20s, C-130s, and by far his favorite, the F-100! After retiring from the ANG, he was Vice President of the Columbus, OH Chamber of Commerce and then spent almost 20 years as an Adjunct Professor of Aviation History and Physiology at OSU. He researched, wrote, and published his own textbooks and presented his research at both US and international symposiums. He also continued to combine his love of flying and education to actively fly civilian aircraft at OSU airport, using his vast knowledge to instruct both young and old new pilots. Joe and Rita were avid world travelers to include the Philippines, Japan, South (and North) Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, and all of Europe. They made special pilgrimages to Rome, Assisi, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, and Israel.

Joe’s interests were wide and varied and started at a young age. As a child of the Great Depression in rural Ohio, he was curious and innovative about everything and fearless in his attempts to learn, even through adversity and failure. Because of a lack of books, Joe started his voracious love of learning by reading the dictionary and the encyclopedia at an early age. He continued to read and learn for the remainder of his life. Growing up, Joe was active in farming activities, showing ponies and cattle at the county fair, and later, was employed as a “roughneck,” helping his father in the oil fields of OH. Joe was a natural showman and entertainer, working his way through college as a ventriloquist, bandleader, and square dance caller. His joyful, quick wit and infectious laughter made him a favorite among family, friends, colleagues, and audiences.

Joe was an immensely and diversely ingenious man with a wonderful imagination and the mechanical ability to create. He made a pony cart for his daughters, forming the steel pipes over a bonfire in the back yard. And of course, he also made a wooden replica airplane to push around the farm. Joe loved having all daughters saying, “Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by 5 loving little girls?” He fostered their independence, imaginations, and dreams, and never once said “You can’t do that.” He continued that gift of self with each ensuing generation.

More than anything, Joe prioritized his life correctly around Faith, Family and Flying. He deeply loved his family and was passionate about his wife of 69 years, Rita. He was a rare combination of patriot, warrior, enduring romantic, and consummate gentleman. Joe never met a stranger, rather, he met a new friend. Whether he was making up a story for little children or conversing with his diverse knowledge among heads of state, each would hold his complete attention and interest.

Joe left a piece of himself with everyone he met. And his family and friends are grateful for those pieces Joe shared with them. Through his immense faith and love, we are assured we will meet again. In the meantime, he will be greatly missed. Godspeed Joe, Dad, Grandpa, Joe Joe!

Visitation will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 with words of remembrance and Rosary at 7:30 on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Blount and Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa FL 33609.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 7th in Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa FL 33609. Luncheon reception to follow in the parish’s Mary Martha Center.

Interment will follow at 11:30 on Monday, December 9th in Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell FL.