Joseph "Joe" John Zawisza

Joseph John Zawisza, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, He was born on the family farm June 28,1930 to Joe Zawisza and Genevieve Zawisza (Babiak). He attended Harrah High School where he was active in basketball and especially FFA. He has been a lifelong supporter of the Harrah FFA program.

After graduation in 1948, he began farming. After a couple of years he made the choice to join the Air Force. In 1951, he joined as an Airman 1st Class. He worked as an aircraft mechanic in the Philippines for two years, also being sent on special duty to Hanoi, French Indochina for 25 days. He received the National Defense Service Medal while in the military. He was honorably discharged December 1, 1954 as a 5-Point Veteran having served during the Korean War.

While Joe was on leave, he and a friend went to the Kickapoo Pow Wow in Jones, OK. Little did he know he was going to meet someone that would change his life. That is where he met Mertelene Zawisza (Harrison). They had their first date at Springlake Amusement Park. Joe has been heard to say that not only was that "the luckiest day of his life", but he also has said that marrying Mert is the smartest thing he ever did. They were married on June 18, 1955 at St. Philip Neri in Midwest City, OK. On June 18, 2025 they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and his 95th birthday with a reception at St. Teresa's Family Center in Harrah. Joe was 95 on June 28 of this year. Joe went to work at Tinker Air Force Base January 27, 1955, assigned to the engineering aircraft branch as an Apprentice Service Mechanic. He retired January 3, 1986 as a Production Engineering Specialist.

Joe loved spending time with family and friends. His grand kids and great-grand kids were his pride and joy. He enjoyed every moment he spent with them; Rebekah and and her husband Glenn Luce and their daughters, Hailey and Olivia; Rachel Zawisza; Daniel and his wife Ashley Zawisza; and Hannah Zawisza.

Joe served on the Harrah Board of Education from 1971-1976 including as President. He is a life-time member of the American Legion and the NARFE. He has been involved with the Harrah FFA since he became a member in school. He was a Community Director for BancFirst. He is a lifelong, member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. He was the Caretaker of the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Cemetery and his family was some of the original members and builders of the church. He is a 58 year member of the Knights of Columbus and a former Grand Knight. He was a great winemaker and enjoyed passing his knowledge on to anyone that wanted to learn. Joe enjoyed growing his vegetables out on the family farm and then selling them at his vegetable stand at the house for over 30 years. He was old school, with only a money box and a scale for people to "be honest because God is watching" and take are of it themselves. And then there is the standing Wednesday night poker game that has been going on in the barn for at least 25 years. Thanks for always showing up, even during the hard times.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mert Zawisza, 2 sons David and wife Donna, Midwest City, OK; Donald and wife Maggie, Harrah, OK; grandchildren, Rebekah and her husband Glenn Luce, Ft. Knox, KY; Daniel and wife Ashley Zawisza, Newalla, OK; and Hannah Zawisza, Harrah, OK; great- grandchildren Hailey and Olivia Luce, Ft. Knox, KY; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Genevieve Zawisza; sister Frances Zawisza Downey, sister Louise Zawisza Guthrie, and granddaughter, Rachel Lee Zawisza.

A viewing will be held Monday, July 7th, 12:00-6:00 pm, and Tuesday, July 8th, 8:00 am-4:00 pm at Walker Funeral Service. A Rosary and Wake service will be Tuesday, July 8th, 6:30 pm, St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church; Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, July 9th, 10:00 am, St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church; interment will be at St. Teresa Cemetery.