Mr. Joe Compagna

MSGT (Retired) Joseph Gerard Donat Compagna, age 88, a resident of Wickes, Arkansas, died Saturday, February 10, 2024, in the V. A. Medical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Joe was born May 9, 1935, one of three children born to Paul Joseph and Leontine Croteau Compagna, in Putnam, Conn.  He married Joan Marie Smalley in Dallas, Texas, on December 27, 1956.  He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War with the United States Air Force, retiring with 20 plus years.  After his retirement, Joe worked at the Wickes Post Office, and was a cattle farmer.   He was a faithful member of St. Barbara's Catholic Church, and enjoyed traveling, and helping his fellow man.  His best time spent was with Joan, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Theresa Comtois, and Anita Menard, and a grandson, Justin Watkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 67 years, Joan Compagna of Wickes, a son, LTC (retired) David Joseph Compagna and his wife, Cheryl of North Little Rock, Arkansas, a daughter, Catherine and Donald Talley of Wickes, a son, Kenneth Compagna of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Joseph Watkins, and Gerald and his wife, Heather Watkins, Kyle Compagna, and Teresa Compagna;  seven great-grandchildren, Eden Watkins, Bodie Watkins, Kalin Smith and her husband, Kamren, Joseph Bailey Watkins and his girl friend, Kylee Cody, Addison Watkins,  Avery Watkins, and Gia Compagna; two great-great-grandchildren, Kase Smith, and Kooper Smith as well as nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the St. Barbara's Catholic Church, De Queen, Arkansas.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, February 16, 2024, with a Rosary to begin at 6:00 P.M., in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial with military rites will follow in Duckett Cemetery, Wickes, Arkansas.   Services are entrusted to Chandler Funeral Home of De Queen. You may leave a condolence online at www.chandlerfuneral.com.