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William Joseph Orfield, was a genuine, kind and caring man, who gave the best
William Joseph Orfield, was a genuine, kind and caring man, who gave the bestAramis hugs and always had time and kind words for people. Joe never met a
stranger…community, church and family.
Services will be 2 pm Friday at Round Island Baptist Church, visitation beginning at 12 noon.
Joe passed away peacefully at his home on June 3rd, 2024 at the age of 74. He
was born on February 25th, 1950 to Joseph and Dorothy Orfield. He was a true
Missouri boy who loved growing up on the family farm with his brother Larry and
sister Deborah making endless memories. Joe met his true love Charleen Gilkey,
of 55 years of marriage in elementary school, but wasn’t allowed to date her until
she turned 16. Joe and Charleen married in 1969 at Pleasant Valley Baptist
Church in Deepwater, Missouri. From this marriage two beautiful daughters
Jennifer McClimans, Sarah McKay and one talented son, Robert Orfield.
Joe took immense pride in his family, and loved and cherished the role of
grandfather. Joe was the patriarch in wisdom, kindness, talent, guidance and
endless stories willing to share with all.
Joe was drafted in the Army in 1970 during the Vietnam era and became an Air
Defender ending his proud 20 year service as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. Joe
continued for 23 years his passion for air defense, working for Raytheon in
Huntsville, Alabama. Joe was the perfect model of a Patriot and loved God and
his country.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, his mother, Dorothy and his
brother, Larry and is survived by his wife Charleen, his daughters Jennifer (Chris)
McClimans, Sarah McKay, his son Robert (Emily) Orfield, sister Deborah (Mike)
Williamson, grandchildren Ashley McKay, Michael McClimans, Loren (Justin)
Fuller, Robert (Abby) Orfield Jr., Kaylee (Mitchell) Dodson, Haven McKay, Faith
McKay, Iris Orfield and Vera Orfield, great grandchildren Eli Goodman and Ezra
Fuller…and 2 more on the way 🙂
He will be greatly missed but the love he shared will continue to live on in our
memories and hearts forever and as he often said, ‘It is what it is’.
Long live Fords, Sweets, and Fox News!
In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to be made in Joe’s name to
the Limestone Veterans Museum or to his church Round Island Baptist Church in
care of Mike Green or Daryl Brooks.
