JOEY “JO” HEFLIN
Joey’s life began Aug. 29, 1961, in Michigan at the Watervliet Hospital. During his school years he lived and attended school in Decatur. During his senior year his family moved to Hartford. This is where he lived out the rest of his life, and also met Lori Emmons who he wed in 1997.
Together they had a daughter, Brittany Heflin. Brittany quickly became the center of Joey’s world and, his greatest accomplishment. Joey was a loving father to Brittany, and also to his step-daughter Ashley. Joey and Lori were married for eight years, and maintained a friendly relationship afterward.
Joey had a great love for animals and the outdoors. At home Joey raised many dogs, and enjoyed training them. In the woods Joey enjoyed searching for arrowheads; and hunting deer, rabbits, squirrels, and turkey. Joey was also an avid fisherman all year round. He also had a love for watching football. Jo loved the Detroit Lions and Pittsburg Steelers, especially Terry Bradshaw.
Joey held many jobs throughout his life. When he was young, he spent a short time with family in Alabama roofing. Joey received an apprenticeship in carpentry. He worked with the Laborers Union 355, and Postelli’s in Coloma. On weekends he did many side jobs roofing and building houses. He had a passion for working with his hands, and home improvement. He ended his career working for the City of St. Joseph for 10 years, at the Lakeview Terrace as head of maintenance.
Above everything else Joey loved his family which includes: daughter Brittany (Dustin) Heflin of Three Rivers; one sister Marcie (Dave) Roper of Hartford; three nieces Tara (Joe) Pratl of Coloma, Jessica (Matt) Pethick of Coloma, and Tamara (Cameron) Lawson of Hartford; one nephew Joshua Peterson of Hartford; one great-nephew Jayden; and three great-nieces Kayla, Brooklynn, and Lillian, with another on the way; and his loyal German Shepherd Neko.
The family would also like to give a special thanks to Joey’s cousins Mike and Michelle Boodt (Heflin) for their prayers and assistance with Joey’s care.
Joey died peacefully at his daughters’ home in Three Rivers surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents L.D and Wilma Heflin.
Friends and family may attend a Celebration of Life for Joey on Sunday, May 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the First Church of God (708 South George St., Decatur). You may bring a dish to pass but it is not necessary to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joey’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.