Joe Chochie Fish

Joe Chochie Fish passed away on September 4, 2016, at his residence south of Wellston. Joe was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma, around 1916, to Little Fish and Lona (Williams). After losing his parents at an early age, Joe received his education from Nuyaka and Chilocco Indian Schools, graduating in the 1938. He was inducted into the army on January 10, 1942, serving with the Army 7th Division in the WWII Pacific Theater. During his tour of duty, he fought on the Aleutian island of Attu, on the Philippine Islands, and in the Easter Invasion of Okinawa. He spent time in Hawaii recovering from an injury. Joe received the Bronze Arrowhead Award, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on November 27, 1945 at the rank of Sergeant. He married Dolores Boling in 1953. During his life he worked as a carpenter, and as an air craft electrician at Tinker Air Force Base until 1974, when he retired. Since then, Joe spent his time raising cattle, pigs and chickens, and generally enjoying life on his farm. Joe always had someone at his home. He had many friends who frequently came to sit in his yard and visit for long hours. Others would just drop by, asking Joe to tell or show them how to do something. For years, energetic baseball games were held every Sunday at “Fish Field” – although he never participated, he really enjoyed visiting with the “elders” and watching the game. Poker games were a common occurrence on weekend nights and were attended by many. He stayed busy working the garden and serving as the patriarch of the family. He believed in hard work, fairness, humility, kindness and generosity. When asked about his faith, Joe quoted John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. He is survived by five sons: Roger (Gail), Gerald (Donna), Doyle (June), Brad (Mindy), and Tony (Rosa) Fish; four daughters; Candy (Jim) Klumpp, Connie Hill, Cindy (Thomas) Labeff, and Jolynn Frye; 30 grandchildren and 64.5 great-grandchildren. When their fathers passed away early, Joe unofficially adopted Bill Scott and Bob Wilkie and raised them as his own. Many others considered him a father figure, especially the children of one of his best friends, Norma Scott: Steve, Tommy and Gail Kaskaske, Corene, Ruth and Mike Scott, and Randy Chakenatho. He never turned anyone away, always offered folks a meal and a place to sleep. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers John and Billy Fish; sisters Winey Douglas, Mildred Gilroy, Mahalia Hickman, Kate Litsey, Louinachee Fish-Cordova and 'Tiny' Fish and many friends. Funeral Services will be held Thursday September 8, 2016 at Harrah Church, 101 South Dobbs in Harrah at 10 a.m., officiated by Pastors Brad Wood, Thomas Labeff and Tuney Ropp. Pall bearers will be grandsons; Roger Jr., John, Doug, Cody, Jason, Riley, Randall, Chad, William and Justin Fish, Joseph Hill, and Matthew Wood. A noon meal will be served at Hillside Baptist Church. Graveside services and interment will be held at 3 p.m. at the Fish family cemetery in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Military honors will be provided by Creek Nation Honor Guard. The family would like to thank the staff of Oklahoma City VA Home Based Primary Care, and caregivers Jeri, Matt, Dorinda and our sister Ruth Scott for the great care that was provided to our father over the last few years. The Lord was great in providing for Joe, and taking him peacefully from this world. He will be greatly missed. The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at Smith-Parks Funeral Service, 2039 N. Tim Holt Dr., Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service, Harrah, OK.