Joe Frank Short , December 26, 1934 — May 21, 2019

Joe F. Short, 84, of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away on May 21, 2019. Joe was born on December 26, 1934 in Glenwood, Arkansas, the son of Sterling and Melva Short. In January, 1976, Joe married the love of his life, Dianna Dycus.

They celebrated 43 years of marriage this past January. Joe and Dianna raised two children, Allan “Bo” Wharton and Shannon Smith. Joe is survived by his wife, Dianna; son, Allan Wharton (Stacie); daughter, Shannon Smith (Kent); grandchildren, Courtney Wharton Drake (Paul), Chad Wharton, Cassidy Wharton, Hagan Smith, Kenley Smith and Sloan Smith; great granddaughter, Charlie Drake; sisters, Charlsie McLean and Pat Ward (James); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Lankford (Ivan). Joe received his Associates Degree from DeVry University in electronics. He began his lifelong career at Southwestern Bell where he retired from management in 1990.

Joe lived a full life dedicated to his family and friends. Joe never met a person who did not immediately love him because he was so easy to love. He enjoyed golfing, traveling the countryside in the motorhome, weekends at the lake, and many seasons of duck hunting with his friends and family.

But, Joe’s greatest of enjoyment was being with his six grandchildren, whether it was sporting events, dance recitals, plays, musicals, academic achievements, church activities, or just being “Papa”. His love for his grandchildren was unsurpassed. Joe was known for his ability to build or repair anything.

Family, friends, and neighbors near and far called upon him regularly for help, which he was happy to provide. He was incredibly active in his church, FUMC Maumelle, where he was dedicated to the Methodist Men and served innumerable volunteer hours handling the facility needs for which he affectionately became known as “Light Bulb Joe”. Joe’s family would like to thank the many physicians, nurses and aides who have traveled this journey with him.

In particular, the family thanks Hospice Home Care for the love and care they provided to him. There will be a visitation at FUMC Maumelle on May 31 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the church on June 1 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FUMC Maumelle. Honorary pallbearers are the Methodist Men of FUMC Maumelle, Bill Lafferty, Glen Gilliory, Bobby Richards, Jack Wells and Jerry Gunn.

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