Joseph Meredith Lovett of Walla Walla (formerly of Hermiston) passed away in Walla Walla, Wash., on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the age of 63.
He was born Nov. 3, 1955 in Alexandria, La., the son of Robert and Agnes (McNew) Lovett.
Joe moved with his family from Louisiana to Grandview, Wash., in 1964. In 1971 the family moved to Hermiston where he attended high school. During high school, he played football for the Bulldogs were he was known as “Smokin Joe” for his speed in carrying the football. He graduated from Hermiston High School in the Class of 1974. He then joined the U.S. Army where he served for the next four years. He married Beverly Wycoff in 1975 and from this union four children were born. The couple later divorced.
Joe lived in Molalla for many years and worked as a purchasing agent for Keller Supply of Portland until the late 1990s. He lived in Portland for a short time before moving to Walla Walla where he has resided for the past 15 years.
Joe enjoyed music, singing and playing the guitar.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Joann “Berdie” Downer; son, Joshua; daughters, Rebecca, Rachel and Elizabeth; several grandchildren; brothers, Robert and John Lovett; sister, Cecelia Drake; and several nieces and nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Nancy.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the Hermiston Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence for the family please go to www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
