Joe Shuping

Joe Shuping, age eighty-seven, passed away at home in Yarnell, Arizona in the early morning of Saturday, October 2, 2021 with his loving wife Alice and full-time caregiver, Ben Bernard, at his side.



Joe was born on July 18, 1934 to Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Shuping in Morganton, North Carolina and was raised from an early age by his Grandmother and Aunt Jane. Joe married the love of his life and soulmate, Alice Platts, on December 24, 1996. They would have celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary this year.



Joe joined the U.S. Navy the day after his seventeenth birthday and served twenty years through both the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring from the Navy as a signalman with the rank of Chief E-7. Following his years in the Navy, Joe was employed by the Jack N' Box restaurant chain in Southern California for twenty years as a trouble shooter until retiring from that position. He then moved to Yarnell where he kept himself busy caring for people's pets and doing yard work. Joe loved living in Yarnell and was a member of the Lighthouse Bible Church and American Legion Post #79 and served on the Water and Fire Department Boards, making many friends along the way. He also greatly enjoyed his Doberman and Black Labrador dogs, travel, riding his Harley Davidson trike, and going to garage sales. Throughout his life, Joe was very proud of his Cherokee Native American heritage.



Joe Shuping is survived by his wife Alice; son Joe Jr. of Carson, CA; daughter Carolyn of Garden City, CA; grandson Alec Shuping of San Pedro, CA; sister Betty and her husband Dan Hyatt; brother Jack and his wife Doris Casabolt of Bryson City, NC; his in-laws Robert and Naomi Livingston, Frank and Patricia Platts, Harry and Arlene Platts, Mark and Juanita Schittina; and Todd and Dawn Brandes. He was predeceased by his brother Parks Deacon, sister-in-law Mary Ann Platts, and nephew Lance Casebolt. Joe will be remembered as a kind and loving husband and a great father.



In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Meals on Wheels through the Yarnell Community Center and to animal rescue through Petey's Playground. In accordance with Joe's wishes, there will be no services.



Finally, the family would like to recognize Tracy and Cindy Mattice of the Wickenburg Funeral Home, Pastors Robert Smith and Sam DuBois, and Haven Hospice for their compassion during this difficult time. Special thanks and appreciation to Joe's tireless and dedicated caregivers, Ben Bernard and Sabrina Gualco, who made it possible for Joe to remain at home throughout his illness and final days.