In Memoriam: Korean War Vet, Coach for New Lenox Mustangs & Orioles, Devoted Dad Joe Carrigan

Obituary Submitted

It is with deep, and heavy sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Raymond Carrigan who died peacefully at home on January 14, 2017 at the age of 83. Joe was born on March 7, 1933 in Weinert, TX to William J and Lucille Carrigan. Joe grew up and went to school in Throckmorton, TX.

Joe is survived by his spouse Merle (nee Roller) of Lockport; 11 children, Edna of Momence, Marilyn of Lockport, Shanna of Chicago Heights, Joe (Amy) of Broomfield, CO, Vivian Jankauskis (Jim) of Lowell, IN, Janis of Lockport, Maureen of New Lenox, Christina McBride (Ed) of St. Charles, Patrick of Joliet, Jennifer of Sandwich and Scott of Lockport; too many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren to name, but equally as important in his life. Two brothers Jerry (Donna) of CA, Don (Sue) of Joliet and one sister Janis Eklund (Bob) TN.

Preceded in death by his parents, William James and Lucille Carrigan; one sister Edith Kinman; three grandchildren Damian, Eric and William Carrigan.

Joe coached several years for the New Lenox Mustangs football teams and the New Lenox little league baseball team of the Orioles (fondly nicknamed “the yellow-bellied sap suckers”). He was a member of the Right to Life. He was an avid gardener and loved to make his children pull weeds. He was a proud Korean War Army Veteran and recipient of several medals. He was known for his quick wit and playful tricks. Joe loved spending time with his “damn kids”, working on cars and looking for his tools. In his later years, most days he could be found with a cup of coffee in hand, a pot of beans on the stove, and an old western movie on the TV.

Joe was a hard worker for the Joliet Arsenal, many years for the Rock Island Railroad and most recently for the International Chimney Company.

A memorial service will be held at The Barber & Oberwortmann Horticulture Center 227 N Gougar Rd, Joliet, IL 60432, United States on February 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. with a private family luncheon afterward. Interment will be held in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the family or www.COTAforJases.com . Inquiries call (219) 313-1260