Walter H. Joyce Sr.

In Loving Memory Of
WALTER HOWARD JOYCE, SR.

Walter Howard Joyce, Sr. was born on December 2, 1936 in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was the youngest and fifth child of Nelson Joyce, Sr. and Thelma Franklin Joyce. His parents, eldest son, Walter H. Joyce, Jr., brother, Anthony Joyce, Sr., and two sisters, Mildred Andrews and Thelma Bell, preceded him in death.

Walter found Christ early in his life as an infant and was baptized at Visitation Church. He also attended Visitation Grammar School and during his elementary school years served as an altar boy. As an adult he attended church as his work and health permitted.

Walter went on to graduate from Visitation and moved on to William Cullen McBride Catholic High School. An extraordinarily gifted athlete, Walter played football for McBride High School as one of their star Halfbacks. Walter also excelled on McBride’s basketball and baseball teams. He graduated in 1954 and was an active member of McBride’s Alumni Association.

Walter served his country proudly in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years, four of which were served in Vietnam starting in 1968. Many medals, decorations, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons were awarded and authorized for his service. Among them two Viet Nam Service Medals (VSM) - Silver Stars, two Viet Nam Service Medals (VSM) - Bronze Stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA), Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA), National Defense Service Medal Ribbon (NDSM), Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM), Vietnam Cross Of Gallantry with Palm (VCG), Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM), to name just a few. His years in service afforded him the opportunity to travel the world to such places as California, Hawaii, England, and Thailand among others.

Upon retiring from his military career, Walter entered into a second career in Civil Service with the Department of Intelligence. As he had in his military career, he continued to mentor, lead and encourage those around him. He retired in 1996.

Walter was a lifetime member of the NBC Lounge Daycare for many years until he was unable to attend weekly “meetings”. His favorite pastime was playing Friday night poker with family and friends. The games were notorious not only for the food and drinks but the all-nighters that would go into the early mornings of the next day. Fishing and golf were his other favorite hobbies.

A man of impeccable style, with a vibrant spirit, generous heart, and a great zeal for life, Walter was a true leader and his “one of a kind” smile and sense of humor, charmed and warmed the hearts of all who knew him. Walter was affectionally known as the ‘COOL’ Dad, brother and uncle of the family.

On October 13, 2019 at 9:13pm, at the age of 82, Walter said goodbye and peacefully continued on his heavenly journey.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Lynn Watkins (Charles) of Glenwood, IL; Karen Joyce-Wells of Smithsburg, MD; Bryan Joyce of Summerville, NC; and My Le of Gresham, OR; brother, Nelson Joyce, Sr. (Doris) of Sunset Hills, MO; grandchildren, Tyrone C. Perkins II of Tustin, CA; Kourtney Wells of Smithsburg, MD; Cierstyn Joyce and Brooke Joyce of St. Louis, MO; Maxine Kha and Maxwell Kha of Gresham, OR; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Internment

November 1, 2019 – 10:00am

Jefferson Barracks Chapel

2900 Sheridan Road

St. Louis, MO 63125

Acknowledgement of Thanks

We are especially thankful to the special staff at NHC Healthcare of St. Charles, MO, for the loving care they provided Walter and the joy, happiness and peace they gave him.

Our entire family extends love, thanks, and blessings to all who offered their support to us during our time of need. Your visits, phone calls, texts, cards, thoughts, and prayers helped strengthen and encourage us.

Thank you and God Bless.