Joseph Edward “Joe” Mowry, was called to his eternal home Thursday, January 15, 2026.
In keeping with Joe’s wishes, he will be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Burlington Church of God, 300 E. Leroy Street, Burlington, MI. Pastor Jon Wallace will officiate and a luncheon will follow, also at the church.
Interment will be at Sherwood Cemetery at a later date.
Joe, as he was affectionately known, was a steadfast source of calm, gentle reassurance to many. Those who interacted with him saw him as more than a friend; he held the figure of a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and mentor. He drifted into the lives of so many, crossing paths just when he was needed and finding himself a welcome part of many families.
Joe was born August 6, 1953 in Coldwater, Michigan. He was the oldest son of Vere and Valentina (Jasper) Mowry. Joe attended kindergarten in the original Sherwood Normal and Scientific College. He graduated from Union City High School in 1971 after competing in the state band competition as a tuba player. He attended Glen Oaks Community College to earn a certificate in auto mechanics and electronics.
Upon graduation, his impressed instructor hired him to work at the Buick dealer in Sturgis. Joe worked as a master auto mechanic for many years, including work at Althaver’s Chevrolet in Union City, Hemel’s Chevrolet in Colon, and Bower’s Service in Colon. Joe was widely known for his talent with machines, so much that GM executives traveled to Colon to consult with him.
Joe possessed an uncanny intuition for anything mechanical and could repair, and often improve, whatever caught his eye. After leaving the dealership scene, Joe joined the farm of Tom Smith as his mechanic and farm hand. He also spent many years working with the Yesh family and their metals recycling business.
Always frugal and practical, Joe could not bear to see anything go to waste and would rescue a car, generator, mower, or anything with the potential to be useful. He would make it operational again and then bless someone he knew who needed such an item. Reminders of Joe’s talent and generosity can be found in the homes and barns of many families.
Joe attended many churches over the years and found his home at the Burlington Church of God. He found that he had a love of singing and participated in the choir at church. He also regularly performed at weddings, funerals and nursing homes, and he considered it a highlight to have sung the Messiah with the Mennonite Choral Society in Berne, Indiana for many years.
Joe is survived by his sister Kathy Ackerman and his brother Richard Mowry. He also leaves behind several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joe was a friend to all, leaving many close and dear friends who will sadly miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his half-sister, Patricia Louise Mowry.
Memorial donations can be made to Burlington Church of God, 300 E. Leroy Street, Burlington, MI 49029.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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