Joseph Eugene Blubaugh was born on October 5, 1946 in Harper, Kansas, the youngest of four children born to Eustice Jeramis "EJ" and Laura Catherine (Moritz) Blubaugh.  The family made their home in Danville, Kansas and this is where Joe attended the catholic grade school before going on to Harper High School, graduating with the class of 1964.

On February 10, 1966, Joe joined the United States Army and served one year in the Vietnam War.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device.  Joe was promoted to SP5 on December 11, 1967 and was Honorably discharged from Fort Carson, Colorado on February 9, 1968.

Joe married Dorothea Besore of Norwich, Kansas in June of 1968 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Danville.  The couple were blessed with five children and made their home in Danville, two blocks from his childhood home.  They later took in as their own, their two nieces, Sherrie and Carol.

Spending years as a machinist, Joe worked for Cessna and then Boeing as well as working multiple side jobs.  When at home, he spent time tinkering with and fixing bicycles for the town children and mastering his woodworking.  Joe went back into the military by joining the Army National Guard, serving in Harper for 10 years.  He retired from Boeing at the age of 56.

Joe was a faithful member of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community of Harper County and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 11449 and a member of the American Legion Jeff Long Post 104, both in Harper.

Retired but staying busy, Joe would machine custom parts for local farmers as well as continuing his woodworking, making things like toys and porch swings.  He enjoyed traveling with his grandson, Anthony, was a collector of all things, going to casinos, having breakfast with friends, and many other hobbies.  Joe prided himself on being the longest living resident of Danville.

With family by his side, Joe passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on November 20, 2025 at the age of 79.  He was preceded in death by his parents, EJ and Laura Blubaugh, brother Vernon, and sister Anita Busher.  He is survived by his children: Charlene Blubaugh of Wichita, Kansas, Cathleen Blubaugh of Lyons, Kansas, Scott Blubaugh and wife, Mollie of Harper, Michael Blubaugh of Danville, George Blubaugh and wife, Tamara of Harper, Sherrie Dimitt and Carol Dimitt, both of Pratt, Kansas; sister Julia Qualls of Cheney, Kansas; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and countless friends.

Friends may view and register from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Recitation of the Rosary is 10:00 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community, Danville, with Father Bhaskar Mendam and Father Bob Pinninti as Celebrants.  Burial follows at the Fairview Cemetery south of Danville.  Military Honors by the US Army, VFW, and American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Shriners Hospitals for Children or KoC Pennies for Heaven and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058