Joseph Kingsbury

Joe Kingsbury died suddenly on Thursday evening, August 17, 2011 at his home at The Inn at Freedom Plaza in Peoria, Arizona at the age of 97. He was born to Percis and Khalil Kingsbury on the family ranch outside Malad City, Idaho, October 20, 1913. He graduated from Malad High School in 1931 and attended the University of Idaho on a Union Pacific scholarship, graduating in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Joe began working for the United States Department of Agriculture upon graduation and worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 40 years. Joe married Ada Cottrell of Pocatello, Idaho in 1938. Joe and Ada began married life in California where son Khalil and daughter Kathleen were both born. Joe’s job took him to many different locations in California and then to the Territory of Hawaii for 10 years. From there they were transferred back to the mainland and lived in Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Washington D.C. They retired to Arizona in 1978 and loved their retired life here together. Joe had many healthy fruit trees and beautiful roses. Joe organized the first Neighborhood Watch program in his area. He and Ada enjoyed many happy card games with friends and neighbors. They were both very involved with All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church and the Order of St. Luke’s. Ada passed away in 2001. Joe is survived by daughter Kathleen (John), son Khalil (Mimi), two grandsons and their families. Christian and his wife Laura Wassmuth live in Glenwood Springs, Colorado with great grandsons Owen and Andrew. Jonathan and his wife Susan live in Apple Valley, Minnesota with great grandchildren Nic, Anna and Joe. A memorial service will be held at 10 am Friday, August 26 at All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, 9502 W Hutton Dr, Sun City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund (P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058) or the local Habitat for Humanity.