Joe Pace

Joe R. Pace, age 73, of Lamar, Missouri passed away February 19, 2022, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri.   Joe was born July 27, 1948 in Salem, Missouri to John Harrison Pace and Allie Laura June (Schmolzi) Pace. Joe graduated from Salem High School in the class of 1966 and University of Missouri in 1978. On July 11, 1970, Joe married Katherine Susan Heim in Columbia, Missouri. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1972.   Joe worked as an agriculture teacher in Lamar Public Schools. He was dedicated to the many FFA trips and events. In addition, Joe promoted the Missouri Young Farmer's organization and brought crop insurance into this area. He was always interested in agricultural innovations and development of new techniques. After retirement he still followed his students and was always interested in what they were doing. He was a member of many professional and civic organizations and was active in them all. Joe's idea of recreation was watching the crops grow and cattle grazing.   Survivors include his wife Kathy Pace, one daughter, Jennifer and husband David Baldwin of Lamar, three grandchildren; Charlotte, Abbigale and Sydnee Baldwin, all of Lamar, and two nephews; Christopher Pace, Eric and wife Carrie Pace, all of Salem, Missouri.    Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Barrie Pace.    Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lamar, Missouri with burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Lamar.   Rosary will start at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Daniel Funeral Home with visitation to follow from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.   Contributions are suggested and made payable to St. Jude's Children Hospital or St. Mary's Cemetery Association in care of Daniel Funeral Home.   Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com