Charles Joy

Charles "Chuck" Joy passed from this earthly life on January 28, 2022 in Artesia, New Mexico. Chuck lived to the age of 101 and was still mentally sharp and physically able to live on his own. He was blessed to live a full and adventurous life, and he graciously gave back by serving God, his Country, his Family and his Church. Chuck was born in Sioux City, Iowa on November 27, 1920, (son of Chester and Elner Marten Joy), and he had 2 brothers and 1 sister. Growing up in the depression served him well by developing his tenacious work ethic and strong personality. He had many experiences growing up in the Midwest, but had made his way to California (where he was enrolled in Compton Junior College) by the time the United States entered WWII. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1942 to serve as a pilot, and was assigned to the 449th bomber group. Stationed in Italy, Chuck flew B-24 Bombers in 50 combat missions, bombing many enemy targets across Eastern Europe. He retired from the US Air Force as a Lt. Colonel. After serving his country, he returned to the United States and married Emogene Youngblood in 1945, in Panama City, Fl. He went on to attend Howard College and The University of Alabama in Birmingham, where he graduated at the top of his class as a Petroleum Engineer. He went to work in the oil field, and lived in the Texas cities of Corpus Christi, Midland, and Dallas. In 1968, he settled in Artesia, New Mexico, where he took a job as the chief engineer and manager of Newmont Oil. In this role, he opened up water and steam flood oil exploration in New Mexico. He retired from Newmont Oil in 1978 to become an independent consultant, working with oil companies and banks on the evaluation of oil leases. Chuck worked full time until 2016, when he retired at the age of 96 to take care of his wife, Emogene, 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 the Artesia Rotary Club and the Republican Party of New Mexico. Chuck and Emogene had one daughter, Carol Jeanne Griffin, who preceded them in death in 2016. Chuck is survived by one grandson, George Gregory Griffin, III and his wife, Keri Bova of Prosper, Texas. Chuck also leaves behind a great granddaughter, numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends that will forever treasure his memory. A special thanks goes out from the family to Velma and Diego Valenzuela, Kate and Vernon Asbill, and grand nephew Chad Sheenan for their loving care of Chuck. The family would like to recognize and thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at Artesia General Hospital. Especially Dr. Huneycutt, Sergio and Ashley, for the wonderful care they provide Chuck. The Reverend Monty Leavell of the First United Methodist Church will officiate the ceremony. Chuck will be honored with a full military burial, and 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 of Artesia Building Fund, or St. Jude Children's Hospitals.