Joab Sublett Jr: World War II veteran was a man of faith
COLUMBIA — Joab Sublett Jr. was a man of faith, known for his “Amens!” in the Praise Assembly of God Church and for his affection for others.
“I will not forget the affection he showed me and others. Never had a doubt whether he loved me,” Lois Sublett, his wife, said.
Mr. Sublett died Monday, July 11, 2011, from natural causes. He was 89.
He was born Dec. 7, 1921, in Columbia to Joab and Ruth (Anderton) Sublett. He married his wife in February 1979.
Mr. Sublett left high school early to join the U.S. Army during World War II, his wife said.
“He did not get a diploma because he went into service,” she said.
During a graduation ceremony a few years ago, however, a high school in Mexico, Mo., awarded about six WWII veterans honorary diplomas, she said.
“Those kids, or seniors rather, took the time to shake his hand," she said.
Mr. Sublett worked for the city of Columbia for more than 30 years at Columbia Municipal Power Plant in a supervisory position.
When he moved into a nursing home in 2001, his wife traveled 84 miles round trip from Columbia to Mexico, Mo., to be with him.
“I made the trip quite often but gas prices went up and was only able to make the trip twice a week,” she said.
He was also very active in the Praise Assembly of God Church, helping the young men of the church in a group called “Royal Rangers” with different activities.
Mr. Sublett is survived by his wife, Lois; one son, J.W. Sanders; one brother, Duane Sublett and his wife, Gale; two grandchildren, Kellie Sanders and Tobi Linneman; three great-grandchildren, two nieces and six nephews.
Two brothers, Roy and Roger Sublett, died earlier.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at Praise Assembly of God Church, 4300 Clark Lane. Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be held at Millersburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Praise Assembly of God Church.
