John "Joe" Menz

John J. Menz was born on January 17, 1951, to John F. and Leona Menz. Known to most as Joe, he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where he was born and spent time with his grandparents at Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Joe was proud of his heritage and belonged to the Standing Rock Tribe and the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma through his mother. At the age of 18, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served for thirteen years. His service time included traveling to many countries, and he spoke often of visiting Korea, Germany, and China as some of his favorite stops. As a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, he loved planes and frequently told everyone they should know he’s crazy because he enjoyed jumping out of planes. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe traveled to Florida to be near a family friend and began working at the United States Postal Service Orlando Distribution Center. It was in Florida in 1987 that he met his soon-to-be wife, Gloria Vickers. They were married on March 12,1988 at their home in St. Cloud, Florida and have remained there for the past 35 years. Joe was an only child and loved children and in April of 1990 and July of 1993, he was the proud father of Cecily and Joseph (Randy). He was a heavily involved Dad and spent days off playing outside, attending sports and academic events, and assisting with homework. Cecily and Randy knew they could always count on him to be there and help them if they ever needed it even if it came with a dose of sarcasm. Another major part of Joe’s life was his involvement with Campbell City Baptist Church. Growing up, one of Joe’s caregivers had taken him to many tent revivals and taught him to witness from a young age. This foundation was helpful in establishing him as an involved member of the church with his family. Joe loved God and served as a song leader, Sunday school teacher, landscaper, usher, and many other roles throughout his life at Campbell City Baptist Church. He was an avid reader of all books, but it was rare to catch him without a copy of the Bible as well. In January of 2022, Joe suffered a stroke and heart attack that impacted his way of life and his speech. All doctors and medical personnel he came across called him a miracle and one of his favorite songs was “With All the Many Miracles” by Greater Vision and despite his speaking struggles he would remind his family that the Lord was watching out for him. He had another heart attack in September of 2023 and ultimately, a heart attack took him from this life to the arms of Jesus on January 17, 2024. Joe was preceded in death by his parents John F. and Leona Menz. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his children Cecily (Justin) Ramey and Joseph (Merissa) Menz, and his extended family and friends. He is now free from the complications of his health but will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Campbell City First Missionary Baptist Church in Kissimmee, Florida, followed by service at 11:00 am and burial at Kenansville Cemetery in Kenansville, Florida. Joe will forever be remembered and loved by all those who knew him. May he rest in peace. Arrangements are under the care of Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory, 2000 13th Street St. Cloud, FL 34769. 407.957.2511. www.osceolamemgds.com.

John "Joe" Menz

January 17, 1951 - January 17, 2024