Charles “Chuck” Joy passed from this earthly life on January 28, 2022 in Artesia, New Mexico. He lived a full and complete life serving God, his Country, his Family and his Church. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on November 27, 1920, son of Chester and Elner Marten Joy and had 2 brothers and 1 sister. Growing up in the depression served him well, developing a tenacious work habit and a strong personality. He had many experiences growing up in the Midwest, ending up in Compton Junior College in California when the United States entered WWII. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1942 to serve as a pilot, assigned to the 449th bomber group and piloting B 24 Bombers out of Italy, flying 50 combat missions bombing many enemy locations over Eastern Europe. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the U. S. Air Force.
After serving his Country, he returned to the US and married Emogene Youngblood in 1945 in Panama City, Fl. and he attended Howard College and The University of Alabama in Birmingham, graduating as a Petroleum Engineer at the top of his class. He went to work in the oil field, living in Corpus Christi, Dallas, Midland, Texas and Artesia, NM. He moved to Artesia in 1968 as the chief engineer and manager of Newmont Oil, opening up the water and steam flood exploration in New Mexico. He retired from Newmont Oil in 1978 to become an independent consultant, working with oil companies and banks evaluating oil leases. Chuck worked full time until 2016 at the age of 96 when he retired to take care of his wife, who passed away in 2017.
Chuck was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Artesia for over 50 years. He served as head usher and greeted many church members over the years. He was beloved by his church family. He was also an active member of Artesia Rotary Club and the Republican Party of New Mexico.
Chuck and Emogene had one daughter, Carol Jeanne Griffin, who proceeded them in death in 2016. He is survived by one grandson, George Gregory Griffin and his wife, Keri of Prosper, Texas. Chuck also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends that will forever treasure his memory. A special thanks go to Velma and Diego Valenzuela, Kate and Vernon Asbill and grand nephew Chad Sheenan for their loving care.
The Reverend Monty Leavell of the First United Methodist Church will officiate the ceremony. Chuck will be honored with a full military burial. He will be buried along side his wife and daughter at the Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia. Pallbearers will be Vernon Asbill, Ronnie Null, Diego Valenzuela, J T Jackson, Ben Harvey and Randy Worley. Rotary Club Members will be honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacramento Camp and Conference Center, the First United Methodist Church Building Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospitals.
