Joe R. Price, age 77, of Lincoln, died Sunday August 26, 2012 at home after a long struggle with Alzheimers . He was surrounded by his loving wife of 20 years and his family. He was born in Omaha, NE and at 2 years old was adopted into the loving home of Lula & Henry Price.
Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley; Children, Mark Price of Washington, DC, Penni Godemann (Darwin) of Lincoln, Randee Price (Lara) of Poway, CA, Ron Price (Jacki) of Smiths Creek, MI; Step Children, Lori Morrow (Shawn) of Cortland, Traci Mersch (Tim) of Lincoln, Cliff Huss (Heidi) of Fremont, Tara Hansen (Shawn) of Lincoln. Joe had 22 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren that were the light of his life. He was preceded in death by parents; Lula & Henry Price and brothers Lonnie and Larry Price.
Joe was a graduate of Northeast High School (1953). After High School, Joe served in the U.S Marine Corps from 1953-1956. He then went on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Joe started working in foodservice in 1955 at King’s Food Host and was owner of the South Pantry and the Bethany Pantry, Bethany Pantry Catering and the Topper II stand at the State Fair. Joe was also very involved in numerous organizations some of which were: past President of the Nebraska Restaurant Association (which he received The Mary Lutz Trophy Award for Restaurateur of the year in 1982), Board Member of Cornhusker Bank, Vice President of King’s Food Host restaurants, Past member of the Bethany Business Association, Former Director of Cornhusker Bank, Past President and Board Member of Friends of Whitehall Mansion, Former Board Member of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nebraska and he also was active in organizing the Lincoln Northeast YMCA and was a past President of the Northeast YMCA.
Joe retired from the restaurant industry in 1996 and took a much deserved break to love on his grandkids and family. Those who knew Joe, also knew how much of a “people person” he was and after a few years of retirement he was back at work, this time cashiering for Walgreens on 70th & O St. Joe loved people and people loved Joe! That great smile, balding head and booming laugh will always be remembered.
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on Wednesday August 29th from 5-8pm at his step-daughter’s house: 7901 Casey Lane in Lincoln. A service to remember him will be on Thursday, August 30th at St. Mark’s Methodist Church (Corner of 84th and Pioneers) at 10:30 am. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorials to family.