Joseph Coulter

Joseph Coulter, a 29-year resident of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019 at age 71 following a brief, yet fierce, battle with cancer.  He was a most devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Joe is survived by his wife, Lynda; daughter, Michele; son-in-law, Ken Bramble; and grandsons, Logan and Blake; and mother-in-law, Lucille Pilgrim and niece, Jennifer Bryant.  He is predeceased by his father, Joseph Coulter, Sr and Mother, Ruth Moore.

Joe was born on November 30, 1947 in Macon, Georgia.  He graduated from Georgia Southwestern in 1969 with a degree in history.  He then pursued a legal degree and received his Jurisdiction Doctor degree from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta in 1973.  His career began with Allstate Insurance which led to his 27 years with Universal Underwriters as Vice President and General Manager.  He retired in 2003 and quickly began his work with CASA of Jackson County as a volunteer.  He joined the CASA Board of Directors.   Not long after that, he took on the leadership position as Board President in 2006.  After completing six years on the CASA Board, he moved up to Advisory Board.  His passion for advocating and helping children in the system was undeniable.

In his retirement, Joe enjoyed golf, league trap shooting, pheasant hunting, gardening with Lynda and his obsession with photography.  He loved capturing shots of his grandson’s cross country and track meets for 5+ years, and posting them for team members, parents and coaches to enjoy.  He also did the photography for CASA events throughout the years.  It was rare to see Joe without his camera in hand....even on rides at Disneyland !  Another pastime was watching the Chiefs play every Sunday with Ken.  They had a football and food event for every game for the last 24 years .

Joe loved nothing more than spending time with “his boys”, Logan and Blake.  He could never have enough time with them.  They stood on tall pedestals in his eyes.  He deeply loved them and always spoke about them to anyone who would listen.

Ten years ago, Joe and Lynda found a real home at Blue Valley Baptist Church and developed very strong friendships within their Sunday School class led by Chuck Glenn.  The closeness and love of this class carried us through this sudden diagnosis.  They continue to be by my side.

Joe and Lynda shared 43 blessed years of marriage: clearly bound together forever.  His big smile and wit will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:30 Wednesday at Blue Valley Baptist Church, 8925 151st Street, Overland Park, KS 66221, followed by a funeral service at 11:30.   Private family burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's remembrance to : CASA in Wyandotte and Jackson County in care of the funeral home.