Joseph Kermit Deatherage

Joseph Kermit Deatherage, "Red", at the age of 89, passed away on July 26, 2023 in Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Rich), Brigid (Rodney) and Debbie. His sons, Steven Boone, Joey and Brandon (Michele), 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Joseph is also survived by 2 sisters, Ann Riesel (Hank) and Linda Bain. Two sisters-in-law, Nancy Deatherage, Harriet Deatherage and one brother, Vernon Deatherage (Mary), along with ex-wife Martha Deatherage. He is preceded in death by his parents, Artie "Ray" Deatherage and Paralie "Blanche" Deatherage, along with 2 sisters and 5 brothers.

Joseph was born on March 23,1934 in Anadarko, Oklahoma. In August of 1937, at the age of 3, with 2 sisters and 1 brother, the family moved to Gilbert, Arizona where he attended both grade school and high school and attended The Church of Christ. During that time, he gained 2 more sisters and 5 more brothers (minus 1). At the age of 17, he enlisted into the United States Navy and served during the Korean War as a gunman on the USS IOWA BB-61. After that, he spent most of his life as a hard worker doing concrete construction work.

During his spare time, he enjoyed playing the fiddle, harmonica and guitar. He also enjoyed reading, looking at pictures, playing cards, dancing and most of all, seeing everyone at the family reunions.

Two of Joseph's favorite things to say were, "Just because I didn't call you, doesn't mean that I didn't think about you!" and "I would rather be a shoeshine boy in heaven, than a king in hell any day!"

We would also like to give Kyle and Carolyn a special "thank you" for opening up their home to him where he was able to be well taken care of during his last days on earth, keeping him comfortable and able to honor his last wish, to pass away peacefully.

September 02,2023 , Starting at 9:00 am. The Honorary Graveside services, to be held at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary at 10940 E. Chandler Hieghts Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248 and Following there after, the Celebration of Life services, to be held at the Hiway Baptist Chuch 10505 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207. Lunch will be served.