Joe L. Modisette

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
4823 Woodlawn
Little Rock, AR  72205
Thursday, August 10, 2017
10:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Little Rock National Cemetery
2523 Confederate Blvd.
Little Rock, AR  72206
Memorial Contributions
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
4823 Woodlawn Drive
Little Rock, AR  72205
I served in the Marine.
Joe L. ModisetteI am a Veteran.

November 11, 1929 - August 5, 2017

Joe L Modisette, 87, of Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Pine Bluff, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2017 in his home. He was born Nov. 11, 1929 in Mount Holly, Arkansas, to the late Clarence and Lillie Modisette.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Mary Martha, and beloved brother and sister, Charles Modisette and Frances Laster. He is survived by one brother, James Modisette and wife Diane of Fayetteville, AR; two daughters, Debbie Cherry and husband, Rex of Maumelle, Cindy Simpson and husband, Warren of Little Rock; one son, Joel Modisette of Pacific Grove, Cal; nine grandchildren, Merideth Eckert and her husband, Anthony, Brian Cherry and his wife, Allison, Garrett Simpson, Parker and Preston Pitts, Mary, Jacob, Jordan and Mia Modisette and two great-grandchildren, Saylor and Rory Eckert.

The U.S. Marine Corp motto, Semper Fidelis Always Faithful, sums up the commitment he made to honor his country. At the age of nineteen, Joe volunteered for the United States Marine Corps. In 1951, he deployed to the Korean Conflict with the 1st Marine Division., 7th Marines, Easy Company. As a squad leader, Joe lead the 1st Marine Unit to advance past the 38th parallel following the Battle of
Inchon. During intense fighting, his Marine squad suffered heavy casualties. Joe received significant grenade trauma that required over a year of rehabilitation, including a full leg amputation. He was awarded the Purple Heart Combat Decoration for his injuries and remained loyal to his Marine Corps motto.

Joe's commitment to his country was second only to his commitments to his family. No sacrifice was great enough to help them better their lives. The will and strength that carried him through losing a leg in Korea and almost his life was the same strength and courage that lasted his life time. He loved his country and he loved his family, there was never a doubt about that.

As a 1957 graduate of the University of Arkansas, he began his career as a Mechanical Engineer at Alcoa Aluminum in Benton. He spent the majority of his career as the Director of Chemical Munitions at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas Mechanical Engineer Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Academy for Mechanical Engineers in 1989.

As a father, he instilled in his children an abiding and unshakable faith in God and taught them to love and honor this great country. His family will honor this legacy until they meet again.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday August 10, 2017 in the sanctuary of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church with Reverend Jay Clark officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Little Rock National Cemetery with full military honors following the service.

Memorials may be sent to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.



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11 Condolence(s)
Charles & Cheryl Laster
Bella Vista, AR
Liked
Saturday, February 11, 2023

We think of you and your family often. You live on in our memories. Love you and miss you.

Sally Miller
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, August 11, 2017

I'm thinking of the Modisette Family and remembering each of you in my prayers.

I greatly respected Joe Modisette and the way he expressed love for his wife and his children. The world needs more like him.

Richard A. Torres
Cabot, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 9, 2017

On behalf of my father, Raymond J. Torres, he wishes his deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. My father was a former US Marine who fought along side of Joe in Korea and they were close friends.

Johnny Dollar
Redfield,
Liked
Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Mr Joe great person to work for. He make you feel important to the organization. Always make time to talk to you. The world would be a better place with more people like Mr Joe .

Mike Carpenter
Benton,
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Debbie, Cindy, and Joel, Prayers for each of you and your families. Joe was my boss and mentor for my first 12 years at the Arsenal. Learned so much from from Joe and he was such a positive influence for me and molded me where I am today. God bless you and your families! Mike Carpenter

Tom Smith
Westfield, NJ
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Joel, Cindy, and Debbie:

I have so many fond memories of your dad at 505. I loved his sly humor and the way that, when his smile appeared, it could transform him into a tower of mirth. Maybe I particularly appreciated his engineer's way of looking at the world. I was so surprised and pleased to pick up the phone one evening in NJ to learn that he was visiting a nearby facility. Hearing his voice took me straight back to PB in my mind.

My thoughts and love are with you all.

Tom

allen smithey
pine bluff, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

so sorry for your loss ,may he rest in peace. hope you and family work through this ok


Carolyn Watts
Maumelle,
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

I am out of State but wanted to let you know my heart, love and prayers are with you. I hurt for you all and wish I had been blessed to know your Dad. Such beautiful words in the obit obviously come from a very loving family because of the truly wonderful example he set.

Gregory s kitterman
Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

What an outstanding man! What I'd give to have even a small bit of his strength and resolve! I'm inspired sir. May God have mercy on your soul. I'm praying for peace for you Merridee and your fine family.

Liz Smith Russell
Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Debbie, Cindy, and Joel -- I was saddened to learn of your dad's death, but my first reaction when I saw his picture this morning, even before I noted the obit, was a huge smile of recognition. Ralph, Tom and I have spoken by phone today, and all of us have so many fond memories of your parents -- such kind people and always welcoming. Our hearts are with you today.

David Schimmel
Rogers,
Liked
Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Sorry to hear about Mr. Joe's passing. He was an especially good man and raised especially great children. I'll always remember him.