Monday, May 1, 2017
Joe was so much more than just a coach to me. He was a mentor, a good friend, and I stayed with your Mom and him so often on my return trips to Zion I felt like almost one of the family. He was someone I respected and admired and felt like I was so blessed to have him in my life. What an excellent role model he was for young man out of ZBTHS to have as I went off into the big world and made my way through a Naval career and beyond. And as I said in my book "Zee Bees" which certainly highlighted your Dad, if anyone was ever qualified to be called "Mr. Zee Bee" it was Joe.
May I express my most sincere condolences. Only because I am leaving Thursday for Europe will I not be at the funeral, but I am so pleased that I came back to Zion earlier to see him. Paul Jackola and I took him out for lunch, had our photo taken with our championship trophy of 1954, and then went to the old high school and walked around the football field. So I had that special time with him for one last moment.
God bless. Bob Osmon, Captain, US Navy (RET)
