Missing Joe

Posted on: 07/15/20 12:41 PM | by Jonathan McKee

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On Sunday our world was ripped apart.

My youngest daughter Ashley has been living with us while her husband Joe was deployed in Afghanistan. Sunday morning two uniformed soldiers arrived at our door to tell us Joe died the day prior. Their baby, Ashton Joseph Allbaugh is due September 10th.

We don’t even have any words to express what we’re feeling. We’re all a little numb. We just depend on God who is the God of all comfort and cling to the hope we have in Him, and knowing Joe is with Him right now.

I guess one thing we can all say… we miss Joe. We miss his smile and the way he made us laugh.

Everyone has been so supportive and honoring Joe in so many ways.

Ashley and Ashton will be living with us as long as they need. I praise God she has family gathered around her right now, our family, Joe’s family, and our church family. Thank you all for your prayers and support through this time.

PLEASE PRAY…

  • Please pray for Ashley, her health these last two months of pregnancy and for strength during this incredibly painful time.
  • Please pray for Joe’s entire family, especially his parents Larry and Laura, wonderful parents who have always treated Ashley like a daughter and I know will be amazing grandparents to Ashton as well.
  • And please pray for Lori, myself, and my parents who all live on the same property together with Ashley—and soon Ashton—four generations on one property. Pray that we can surround her with love during this unfathomable loss.

Thank you so much for your prayers. And thank you for understanding—I will be off the grid for a while.

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16 Replies to “Missing Joe”

  1. I’m so, so sorry. I will be praying for all of you. Joe is a real hero and so is Ashley.

  2. Jonathan and Ashley,

    Words cannot express. Praying for your family and Joe’s. We cling to the cross.

    In His eternal grip,
    Carl

  3. I am so sorry to hear this news… my heart and prayers go out to you all. Praying that the Peace of God will fall on all of you and guard you. Also praying Proverbs 3:5-6
    You are being lifted up.

  4. I have followed you and your blogs/website for YEARS. This news is so heartbreaking. You have let so many of us into your home and family as you have tried to inspire and educate us to be better parents and youth workers (we ARE better because of your ministry). I am praying for each of you.

  5. I am so very sorry – my heart hurts for you and your family. I am praying for all of you that God will provide peace and comfort abundantly, and that you would feel His loving arms around you.

  6. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep Joe’s family and yours in my prayers.

  7. So sorry for this loss. My prayers are with you and Ashley and all the family members. May you find peace, comfort, and encouragment.

  8. My heart is grieving for you all.
    We so appreciate the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces. Every Sunday, our church family prays for law enforcement and military.

    We will lift you all up this Sunday as a church family.

  9. Jonathan, grieved by this piece of news – thank you for being so transparent with your extended family around the world. Our non-stop news about COVID blocks out the reality that we have brave men and women around the world who are willing to give their lives for the freedom so many people take for granted and don’t fully appreciate the cost that’s been paid by so many like Joe. All of you, and especially Ashley and Ashton, and Joe’s parents will be in my prayers.

  10. Oh Jonathan! My heart is heavy for you guys.

    I have no doubt there’ll be so much pain and grief for you all to process. But I’m believing for you all to know His love and comfort in ways you’ve never known.

    Bless you all

  11. Jonathan: You bet that y’all will be covered with my prayers. I can’t imagine the pain that all of you have right now. Take it to Jesus.

  12. Praying for all of you❣️❣️Breaks my heart for your daughter and praying especially for Ashley! I am so sorry for all of you in your loss of Joe! God is still good, and He is faithful!

  13. I am saddened to learn of this tremendous loss. I will pray for the repose of Joe’s soul and for the comfort and consolation of all your family—especially Ashley. How good it is that she is surrounded at this time by those who love her most!

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