Dean H. “Joe” Bloxham, long time owner of Downey Lumber Co., passed away Friday Jan. 27th, 2012 at the Veterans Home in Pocatello, ID after an 11 year battle with Wegner’s Disease, a rare kidney disorder. Joe was born on Sept. 13th, 1927 at Cambridge, ID to H. Cluff and Lila Amanda Bybee Bloxham. He was raised and educated in Cambridge & Downey, ID. He married Melba Rae Jones on May 23rd, 1948 in Cherry Creek, ID. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple on March 2nd, 1965.
They made their home in Downey where Joe was employed by Idaho Cafe & Gas station owned by his dad. Later he purchased a milk route from his Uncle Percy Bybee. He worked the milk route mornings for 16 yrs and during the afternoons he worked for Cunningham Implement, putting farm machinery together & delivering it throughout the area. In 1956 he & Gail Boam purchased Anderson Lumber Co. where he worked until 1965 when he became full owner & named the business Downey Lumber Co. He worked this family business until a few years ago when he became too ill to help at the store. He spent many hours sitting at the store visiting with customers and friends where you could always hear a good story.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he had been active in scouting & many other positions. He was active in many community organizations, such as American Legion, Downey Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Downey Fire Dept., & helped organize the first Citizens on Patrol in Downey.
He and Melba especially enjoyed supporting the local athletics. They attended many football, basketball, & baseball games. Joe’s passion was for golf and a good Pepsi. He golfed while Melba drove the cart. He had many good golfing friends. He truly missed the sport when his health stopped him from playing. When Joe’s health didn’t allow him to drive any more, he especially loved the rides around the country side with Melba and other friends, stopping for a burger or a treat.
He is survived by his wife, Melba Bloxham, children- Rick (Karen) Bloxham, Wendy (Clark) Wanner, Jody Bloxham, Jeffrey (Julie) Bloxham. Brothers-Vern (Delores) Bloxham, Montie (Glenda) Bloxham, sisters- Verna (twin to Vern) Robinson, and June (Reed) Morrison, 10 grandchildren- Travis (Kellie) Bloxham, Samantha (Joe) Mecham, Jon Wanner, Haley (Gabe) Eberhard, Chad (Angie) Wanner, Jennifer Lish, Bane (Katie) Lish, Levi Lish, Danyail Bloxham, JD Bloxham, and 10 3/4 great grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Cluff & Lila Bloxham and brother-in-law, Darald Robinson.
A viewing will be held on Thursday Feb. 2nd, 2012 at the Downey LDS Ward Chapel from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday Feb. 3rd, 2012 at 12:00 noon at the Downey Chapel with Bishop Rex Nielsen officiating. Burial will be in the Downey City Cemetary with military graveside rites.
Joe’s family would like to thank everyone who has been of any assistance in the last few years. A special thanks to friends, neighbors, and any others who came at a moments notice to help Joe in the many years he was able to stay at home. Also to the many doctors, nurses, and staff of the Portneuf Medical Center, Quinn Meadows, Whispering Pines Assistance Living Center and the State of Idaho Veterans Home. Joe will be greatly missed by many.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel, Bishop Rex Nielsen officiating. Friends may visit with the Bloxham family at the church on Thursday night from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and again from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the service on Friday.