Joseph Gregg Dealey, Jr.

Joseph Gregg Dealey, Jr., 85, passed away, Friday, May 31, 2019 in Katy, Texas.  Graveside Service, with Military Rites by A.L. Shirley Posts #176 and the National Guard Honor’s Team, will be Friday, June 7, 2019, 10:30 a.m. at the Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Rev. Bryan England officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, June 6, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with family present at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Gregg Dealey, Jr. was born on February 9, 1934 to Joseph Gregg Sr. and Anna (Oye) Dealey in Post, Texas.  At the age of 8 he moved with his folks and siblings to Blue Hill, Nebraska.  He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1951 and enlisted in the Army at 17, and thus began a career that would span nearly 30 years.  On January 19, 1957, he married Imogene Newman in New Haven, Michigan.  They would travel all over the country, even the world, as he moved up the ranks in the Army.  Some of the places they called home were El Paso, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado and even Germany.  Joseph did several tours in Korea and Vietnam and was even shot in the head in Vietnam fighting to save his wounded troops.  As was his nature, he declined the Purple Heart and told them to award it to someone who “really deserved it”.  In 1980, he retired as a Command Sergeant Major.  Joseph was the only person ever to retire on a Leap Day, February 29, 1980. 

He is survived by his daughter; Debbie Dealey Fivash and her husband; James, Houston, Texas, grandchildren; Jamee Gonzalez and her husband, Raul, Houston, Texas and Austin Fivash, Houston, Texas, great grandchildren; Trent and Alana, brothers; Donald Dealey and his wife, Janette, Holdrege, Nebraska, James Dealey and his wife, Lorna, Grand Island, Nebraska.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son; Joseph “Butch” Gregg Dealey III, and daughter; Tammy Jeanne Dealey, three sisters; Frances Armstrong, Rosalie Mohlman and Anna Mohlman, three brothers; Harold (Tex) Dealey, Robert Dealey and Carey (Dard) Dealey.

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