Joe Anson

Joseph Ownby (Joe) Anson, 74, died Thursday, June 22, 2023 unexpectedly. He was born January 2, 1949 to the late M. L. And Mary Lou (Ownby) Anson, Jr. in Kansas City, MO. He lived a few years in Odessa, MO and grew up in Higginsville where he graduated from Higginsville High School in 1967. He attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity and went on to Southwest Missouri State College. In 1970 he joined the Naval Reserve and achieved the rank of Corpsman serving at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. Following military service, Joe worked for John Deere Corporation and in 1978 became a partner of Anson Implement Inc. in Higginsville as the fourth generation owner. He retired in 2003 when the dealership was sold after 102 years in the family. Joe was active in the Higginsville Chamber of Commerce, served as a two-term alderman and then as Mayor. He worked for the construction of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville and was a past President and Board Member of the Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council. He was proud of the fact that then United States Representative Ike Skelton asked his father, M.L. and him to testify before the Congressional Agriculture and Business Subcommittee and then he testified at the Pentagon regarding the strong relationship between the Base and Community. As a John Deere dealer, Joe was a natural to join the American Royal Board of Governors where he served on the Livestock and Parade Committees. He was proud to be a part of the Agriculture Future of America and help Crosby Kemper establish their scholarship program. He maintained his ties to Higginsville where he was a member of the Historical Society, the American Legion, and continued on the Chamber of Commerce. Joe has always loved sports and was a very enthusiastic supporter of both the Chiefs and the Royals, and was proud to be a shareholder in the Green Bay Packers. He loved history and politics. He continued to divide his time between homes in Kansas City and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He particularly enjoyed the warmth of being in Missouri in the summers and Florida in the winters where he and Richard enjoyed being outside year round. Joe loved sitting out on the balcony at both homes enjoying the view in Kansas City of the Plaza and the balcony view of the beach and ocean in Florida. He loved animals and enjoyed the companionship of several beloved rescued dogs in his life. They were definitely members of the family! Joe leaves a legacy as a caring family man. He will be deeply missed by his life partner of 53 years, Richard Sharp; siblings, Jan Weycker, Jennifer (Keith) Gockel, and Jill (Ray) Sutherland; nieces and nephews, Janna Arndt, Tim Arndt, Sarah (Todd) Lindley, Erin Gockel (Rustin Johnson), Megan (Tim) Trigg, and Anson (Melissa) Sutherland; great nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Byron Weycker, and nephew, David Arndt, Jr. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Central Christian Church. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 PM at the church with Rev. Terry Cook officiating. Burial will be held in the City Cemetery directly after the service. Memorials may be made to: Central Christian Church memorial fund or Abandoned Pet Rescue 1137 NE 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

Joe Anson

January 2, 1949 - June 22, 2023