Joseph Albert Cadoret, 88, of Manhattan, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 28, 2019 at The Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan. Joe was born July 29, 1931 in Stockton, Kansas and lived the majority of his life there. Joe served in the United States Army for two years. He was a retired auto mechanic and postal carrier, active in his church and community as a Stockton Police Officer, Fireman, EMT, Mayor of Stockton, school bus driver, etc.
Joe graduated with honors from Stockton High School in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart, Darla Baxter on November 18, 1951 in Stockton. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, daughters Kim (Doug) French and Pam Herl of Stockton. Grandchildren Guy, Heather (Cameron) and Amanda French. Courtney (Brian) Carpenter, Charlee Simpson (Aaron) and Stephanie Miner (Josh) as well as 17 great grandchildren and grand puppy, Nellie. Sister Ruth Johnson, sister-in law Betty Cadoret and brother-in law Gene Dussault.
He was preceded by his parents, Albert and Myrtle Cadoret, brothers Bill, Archie, Francis Cadoret, sisters Elizabeth Dussault and Clara Belle Brelsford and great granddaughter Graycee Carpenter.
Joe was a man of great character, steadfast in his faith with love for his wife and family. He enjoyed camping and fishing too. Joe was a hard worker who loved the challenges of being a mechanic and working alongside his brother, Francis at Cadoret Oil Company. Joe followed in the footsteps of his father in law, Charles Baxter as a rural mail carrier. Daughter Kim French is the 3rd generation of postal carriers. Following their retirement Joe and Darla enjoyed spending many winter seasons in their motorhome in Arizona visiting Darla’s sister Connie and her family.
At Joe’s request, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rooks County Transportation and Good Shepherd Hospice House would be appreciated. Darla resides at 2123 Meadowlark Rd., Apt. 137, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Contributions may also be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.