Joseph Charles “Joe” Bloomer, 83, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Joe was born December 9, 1934, on the family farm in Smith County, Kansas.  He was the middle child of three boys born to James Charles and Nettie Alice (Baker) Bloomer.  He attended school in Smith County.

Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during the period of time after the Korean War.  After his tour of duty, he returned to Smith County. 

Joe was a farmer in Smith County most of his life.  He enjoyed raising hogs and dogs.  Later he worked for the U.S. Mail as a contract deliveryman and he ran a chain sharpening business. 

Joe met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Margaret Helen Winter on September 14, 1991 in Russell.  They made their home in Russell County.  She preceded him in death on December 18, 2015.  He enjoyed attending McDonalds in the morning for coffee with his friends and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe’s surviving family includes 2 step daughters, Cheryl Nelson of Great Bend, Kansas and Kathy Louder (Mike) of Russell, Kansas; two brothers, Brig. Gen. William A. Bloomer (Sharon) of Wichita, Kansas and James Bloomar (Phyllis) of Topeka, Kansas; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Margaret.

Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma.  Burial will follow at the Natoma Lutheran Cemetery.  Military Rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Peace Lutheran Church of Natoma.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.