Joe D. Old

Joe D. Old, 72, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2016, in El Paso, Texas, after a year-long decline in health. Joe was born on March 3, 1944, in Roswell, New Mexico, to the late Archie Van Darby Old and the late Jane Sargent. He is survived by his wife Monica Wong, stepdaughter Yuting Wong, son-in-law Collin Stuart, and his two granddaughters Phoebe and Ramona, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brother Ben of Roswell, New Mexico, and three previous wives with whom he maintained contact over the years: Liz Rogers (Alpine, TX); Christine Pheley (North Beach, MD); and Susan Prendergast (Bloomington, IL). Joe graduated from Texas Tech University in 1966 with a B.A. in history. He then became a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia for a year and a half, followed by four years in the Air Force. He received an M.A. in history in 1975 from Southern Illinois University. He then studied Chinese at the National Taiwan Normal University for a year and a half and went on to complete two years toward a Ph.D. in Chinese history at the University of Illinois. He later received an M.S. in journalism in 1980 from the same university. Joe worked for the Chicago City News Bureau for three years and then came to El Paso, working seven years for the now defunct Herald Post, ultimately becoming the City Editor. He spent summers in Cuernavaca, Mexico, learning Spanish and played a key role in the Unite El Paso movement in conjunction with former Texas State Senator Elliot Shapleigh and former El Paso Mayor Ray Caballero. In 1990 Joe began teaching mass communication at El Paso Community College. He was the faculty adviser for the student newspaper for many years, training numerous student editors and reporters who have fond memories of him, despite mandatory late nights in the newsroom. Joe later taught English composition and world history at EPCC. In the 2000s he co-wrote a grammar book for Spanish speakers with Ted Johnston and since 2010 completed a series of academic philosophical articles with Robert Ferrell. Both men remained his close friends until the end. Joe also worked as a consultant for the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization translating and editing public health-related publications and worked closely with one of his long term mentees whom he loved like a daughter: Lorely Ambriz. He also taught English in China in 2006. Finally, he was an active Democrat on both the local and national levels. Joe was an avid reader and writer all of his life with a wide range of intellectual, historical, and literary interests. Books were his mainstay, and he amassed a huge and varied library. Joe perfectly exemplified Chaucer’s description of the Clerk, “And gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” He was exceptionally generous and caring, often going “the extra mile” to help someone in need whether through tutoring, financial assistance, emotional support, or just taking the time to listen. Joe had a heart of solid gold. He was loved by many people from all walks of life and had scores of close friends, far too many to mention here. His beloved wife, Monica Wong, with whom he loved to travel around the world, including China, Europe, Central and South America, was with him until the end, and is thankful for all your kind and supportive thoughts. Joe’s body was cremated. A Memorial Service will be held for Joe from 5:30pm-7:30pm, on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home-West at 480 N. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net