John K Corey

Retired Major John Corey, a great man, loving husband, wonderful father, and kind grandfather and great grandfather, 76, died April 6, 2012 at his home in Westminster, Colorado with his family by his side.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2012 at 11:00 at Broomfield United Methodist Church, 545 West 10th Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020 followed by his burial Friday, April 13, 2012 at 10:15 am at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 4400 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO 80236.

John was born October 7, 1935 in Longmont, Colorado to Harry Keith Corey and Helen Elizabeth Clark and the grandson of a homesteader. Named after his father’s pen pal, Dr. John Karefa-Smart, John always aspired to be as great as his namesake. Dr. John Karefa-Smart was born 1915 in Rotifunk, Sierra Leone. He is a three-time Minister, acting Prime Minister and Presidential contender. Dr. Karefa-Smart effectively used his positions to foster the good image of Sierra Leone and Africa. He was a renowned politician, a nationalist, and internationally celebrated medical doctor. He is an accomplished educator, pioneer, human rights activist, author, co-author, a missionary, distinguished gentleman and a loving father and husband for 60 years.

John was oldest of seven children. He was preceded in death by his oldest sister Jeannette Johnson who passed away from cancer in 1991 and his sister Patricia Corey who passed away in 1941 at the age of two.

After Patricia’s death, he and Jeannette were the only children of Harry and Helen Corey for about three years then Louie, his oldest brother was born. Next was his sister Carol who showed up a few years later. However, not long after Donald entered the family with James (Jim) showing up much later.

After High School John attended Pasadena College (Nazarene) in Pasadena, California for a couple of years but found very quickly it wasn’t for him. He decided to enlisted in the U.S. Army for 3 years. He saw Camp Carson, Colorado then Fort Belvoir, Virginia from there he was assigned to Camp Hanford, Washington (now closed). After Hanford he went to South Korea (aka The Frozen Chosen).

After Korea, John went to Los Angeles to pick up his “civvies” were there he met Linda (they were pen pals while he was in Korea). It was a match at first sight and his Aunt Louise told him he had better not let that young lady get away. He didn’t! They dated and were married the following year on May 3, 1959.

He thought they were kidding but he went back in the Army first with Guard where he made 2nd & 1St Lieutenant. First they started their family with one son, David Keith who was born in January 1960 then Mark Douglas in August 1961 and then Richard Alan (Rick) in July 1962. They lived in Longmont for many years, and then he built a house east of town.

Then Vietnam got going full blast and John was back on active duty as a Captain and ending up in Vietnam as a commander with the family back in Longmont. Then back in CONUS (continental United States) the family went Fort Bragg, NC where someone very special came into the family. We adopted a six week old little girl, (Carrie Jo). He liked to say she wasn’t expected she was chosen.

Since then John returned to college earning his BS Degree and worked at a variety of jobs, as an analyst for the USAF, and after retiring he went to work for Olinger as a funeral director. He joined the ELKS Lodge # 2227 and went through the chairs rising in rank to Exalted Ruler. He is now carries the title of Past Exalted Ruler and was semi-active in the Lodge up to the time of his death. He was also an active member of Broomfield United Methodist Church.

John retired from the Army as a Senior Field Grade Office after 37 years of total service. He was always proud and honored to service his country. He also had the honor of swearing in his oldest son, David as well as David’s youngest son, Darren into the Army. He was always so proud that they followed in his footsteps to serve their country.

John and Linda spent 12 years of their retirement living in the winter in South Texas where they have many fond memories to look back on with a host of friends. His interests included the flag of our nation, gardening, golfing and reading.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda; his 4 children, sons David Corey, Mark Corey, Richard Corey and daughter Carrie Kennedy; his brothers Louie Corey and Donald Corey; his sister Carol Melino; his youngest brother James (Jim) Corey; and 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to the following:

Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties

In Memory of John K. Corey

2594 Trailridge Drive East

Lafayette, CO 80026

(303) 449-7740

Or

Elks National Foundation

In Memory of P.E.R. John K. Corey #2227

2750 Northview Avenue

Chicago, IL 60614-2256

(773) 755-4728