Oliver “Ollie” W. Joiner Jr.

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Many in Rippey noted the obituary for Oliver “Ollie” Joiner, which appeared in the October 6th issue of the Des Moines Register.  Mr. Joiner came to Rippey as a music instructor in February of 1949.

Quoting from  The Forty-Niner,  the Rippey High School annual, “Our music department didn’t take form until February, when Mr. Oliver Joiner was hired for the rest of the school year.”

There was both a Junior and Senior band with a total of sixty four members “but each week more are being added. ”  ” The band will continue throughout the summer and the prospects for next year seem very bright.”  ” New horns and lots of practice have brightened the Rippey Band Picture.”

Mr. Joiner was also the vocal teacher and his composition of “Prayer” was sung by the chorus at Commencement.

OLIVER “OLLIE” W. JOINER JR.

MONROE

published on October 06, 2007

OLIVER “OLLIE” W. JOINER JR.

Monroe

Oliver “Ollie” W. Joiner Jr., age 91 of Monroe IA, died Thursday, October 4, 2007 at Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

Funeral services for Mr. Joiner were held on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Visitation for Mr. Joiner were  held on Saturday, October 6, 2007 one hour prior to the funeral service from 10 to 11 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Pella Comfort House and online condolences may be made to www coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The son of Oliver W. and Alice (Burton) Joiner Sr., Ollie was born on April 16, 1916 at Nebraska City, NE. Ollie was a graduate from Nebraska City High School. On July 5, 1941, Ollie was united in marriage with Betty Knox at Rockport, MO. He proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the Army Air Corps, Eighth Air Force, 364th Fighter Group. After returning from Europe he attended Peru State College. Ollie later went on to attend Drake University where he received his Masters in Education. After starting his career as a band teacher, Ollie moved on to become Superintendent of Schools for 27 years. He spent thirteen years as Superintendent of the New Monroe School District.

His love for his country continued long after the war when he authored a book, which included a compilation of historical stories about the men and the mission of the 364th Fighter Group. He also served as the president, board member, and secretary of his fighter group association. Another of Ollie’s passions was his love for music. While he was serving overseas during the war, Ollie formed “The Goldbricks”, a dance band of enlisted men. Besides being an accomplished musician and cornet player, Ollie wrote and arranged music for bands across the country. Ollie was a member of the Iowa High School Music Association, American Legion, VFW, and the Christian Church of Griswold, IA.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Betty Joiner of Monroe, and his children; Judi McCright and her husband, Rex, of Omaha, Nebraska; O. W. “Bill” Joiner III and his wife, Jan, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Clay Joiner and his wife, Pam, of Moberly, Missouri; and Kris Ortale and her husband, Gary, of Coralville, Iowa; one sister; Thelma McIntyre of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his grandchildren; Robyn, Scott (Debbie), Lisa, Laura, Tony, Drew, Destiny, and O.W. “Blake” IV; two great-grandchildren; Brandon and Brycen; and many nieces and nephews. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters.