Joseph Russell Oliver, Jr. died on Dec. 3, 2022, in Denver, CO due to complications following a heart procedure.
Joe was born October 4, 1941, to Joseph Russell Oliver and Catherine Newby Oliver in Charleston, West Virginia. He is survived by his sister, Mary K. Spangler (Richard Spangler) from Loveland, CO and their sons, Kenneth and David Spangler.
Joe’s family moved to Denver when he was in the 9th grade. After graduating from South High School, Joe attended the University of Colorado-Boulder where he earned a degree in Mathematics. Further studies were interrupted after meeting Patricia Castings. They were married on Jan 29, 1965, and he began his job search.
He accepted a position with the Department of the Navy in Norco, California in July 1965. Five years later the Norco Lab was transferred to The Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, CA. Moving to the small town (Ridgecrest) in the high desert was to be a temporary move that turned out to be 35 years in this community of scientists and engineers, working to protect our country.
Joe had a distinguished career and was a recognized leader heading up various missile program offices such as Phoenix, Tomahawk, and the Sidewinder Program Office. He was also the Head Manager for various product and production disciplines in the Engineering Department. Joe recognized and promoted work talents and capabilities in people and was an active mentor to many who are now leaders in the Department of Defense.
Joe’s greatest calling was loving and caring for his wife of 57 years, Pat, and their children, Kimberly Lynn Oliver (Charles Creusere), Scott Russell Oliver, and Michael David Oliver.
His legacy will live on in his 3 granddaughters, Mackenzie Oliver, Olivia Oliver, Kate Creusere, and his grandson, Cade Oliver. Through his example, Joe taught his grandchildren to look long and hard at all the possibilities, pursue excellence, ask questions, and do all of these with kindness. Oh, and don’t forget to play on your way.
Moving to Littleton, CO in 2016 allowed Joe and Pat more time with family. While they missed their friends in Ridgecrest, they were welcomed into the Plateau Park Community and the Columbine United Church Community.
Family, friends, and mentees mourn the loss of Joe. He leaves a piece of himself in each of us. Hopefully, when he arrived at his next stop he was greeted by his four-legged companion, Torrey.