Joe Dudley

DUDLEY, Joe, 91, of Balboa Island passed away December 23, 2007. Joe was born in Longmont, Colorado to Lottie and John Dudley. He had a brother Fred, and two sisters Nonean and Fredda. Joe attended the University of Colorado and then went on to U.S.C.

It was at U.S.C. where Joe met Jean. It was love at first sight and in only three months they were married. Joe and Jean recently celebrated their 63rd year of marriage. While at high school, Joe was very active in sports as well as theatre, singing in operettas. He broke the pole vault record, which stood for almost two decades.

Joe was recruited by the University of Southern California’s track and field coach Dean Cromwell and was offered a four year scholarship. Their track team won several national championships.

During WWII he served as an ordnance officer in Okinawa. He remained in the active reserve until retirement age with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After the war Joe returned to U.S.C. to complete his education. He graduated with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), in sculpture and ceramics.

He entered many exhibits and had several commissions.

Joe is a Free & Accepted Mason. Joe owned and sailed a 29 foot yacht and was a member of the Balboa Yacht Club. Joe taught ceramics for 26 years at Belmont and Gardena High Schools in Southern California. Joe and Jean were blessed with one daughter, Marcia and have one grandson, Blake. They are their joy and luckily they see them often. Inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.