In memoriam: Joe Pogue

Joe Pogue played briefly in the short-lived Professional Basketball League of America. He died last February. His passing leaves only three known surviving players of the PBLA


Biography

Obituary

 GODFREY — Joe H. Pogue, 92, of Anderson, Missouri, and Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at United Methodist Village in Godfrey, Illinois, on Feb. 4, 2018, with family members at his side.

Joe was born on Aug. 28, 1925, in Joplin, Missouri, and remained the only child of Arthur Terrel and Bertha May Pogue who raised him in and around Anderson, Missouri.

After graduating from Anderson High School in 1943, Joe embarked upon a variety of experiences that contributed to his long and rewarding life. These included attending college at the Wentworth Military Academy, Notre Dame, and Drury University; serving in the regular Navy and Naval Reserve, teaching school, refereeing basketball games, and assuming a variety of positions in the business world where he sold real estate and insurance while acting as Vice President of the Anderson State Bank and Anderson's Community Bank and Trust.

On top of these responsibilities, Joe also enjoyed the life of a farmer in two locations; one known as the "Bell Place" situated alongside Indian Creek outside of Anderson, Missouri, and another 250 acres of land located just south of Goodman, Missouri. As a farmer Joe delved in growing wheat, operating a dairy, raising beef cattle, hogs, and hay. Joining in with his parents, Bertha and Terrel, Joe was often instrumental in the planting of a huge garden that supplied family and friends with fresh fruits and vegetables over many summers.

Joe will be remembered, particularly, for being a star athlete. During his high school and college years, he played basketball, baseball, football, and was a pole vaulter. After college, Joe played on a professional basketball team sponsored by Joplin's Tamko corporation. His nickname, given to him by those who frequented Midwest basketball culture, was "Jumpin' Joe Pogue." Besides being active in sports, Joe also enjoyed fishing, hunting ducks and quail, and floating Indian Creek and Elk River in his canoe in pursuit of channel catfish and smallmouth bass. In addition to these hobbies, Joe was an avid reader of history and he enjoyed books about the founding fathers, the World War II generation, and other notable figures such as Lincoln and Jefferson who were instrumental in the maintenance of democracy in the United States of America. Supplementing his awareness of history, Joe was an avid traveler. Besides frequenting famous locations across North America, he also had the pleasure of visiting Europe, South America, Russia, and Africa.

Another attribute which will accompany the memory of Joe was his insistence on accenting the positive in face of confronting life's ups and downs. He always chose to see the positive side of events even when they seemed negative. He always saw whatever life presented us as challenges and unique opportunities to learn if we were only willing. Come what may, Joe always believed that, "the sun's going to come up in the morning!" Finally, Joe was a generous and philanthropic individual who will be remembered for helping many people who needed a break. He was a kind man known for his gentleness. Besides accenting the positive, he was always conscious of the blessings that came to him, his family, and his friends. Joe's values reveal that he was a spiritual man and a Christian. He will be remembered for his active membership in the First Baptist Church of Anderson, Missouri, where he taught Sunday School as well as his active membership in Alton's First Presbyterian Church.

On Feb. 18, 1949, Joe married June Marie Halbrook. They raised four children together in and around Anderson, Missouri. During their later years, they enjoyed traveling the world, visiting children and grandchildren, and dwelling in a condo in Naples, Florida, during the winter months. After the death of June, Joe married Dorothy Lyon in 2003 and they spent nearly 14 years together before Dorothy's death on December 13, 2017. Joe and Dorothy also enjoyed traveling the world and an active social life with family and many friends around both Alton, IL and Naples, Florida.

Joe Pogue is survived by four children: Larry Pogue (wife Suzon), Joey Pogue (companion Linda), John Henry Pogue (wife Paulette), and Mary Jane Montagut (husband Fabian). He is survived by five grandchildren: Angela Love (husband John), Julie Breckenkamp (husband Scott), James Terrell Pogue (wife Anna), Cozette Mongagut, and Romeo Montagut. He is survived by six greatgrandchildren: Tyler Breckenkamp, Connor Brekenkamp, Spencer Breckenkamp, Jessica Love, Sam Love, and C.J. Pogue.

His memorial service is scheduled to be held on April 28 at 2 p.m. at Alton's First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Fourth and Alby Streets. After the service there will be a reception with food and fellowship for Joe's family and friends.