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Joseph J. Laboe age 98 of Smithville passed away Friday September 11, 2026, at his residence. He was born December 27, 1927, to his parents the late Benjamin and Dolly Dewey Laboe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Laboe; two sons, Joey and Greg Laboe. Mr. Laboe served in the United States Army and worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He is survived by children, Val Laboe and Kenny (Betty) Laboe; grandchildren, Kenneth (Shirley) Fry, Lacey (Michael) Proctor, Jennifer (Logan) Brady, Sarah (Lane) Doescher, Heather (Chad) Pruitte, Jason Stembridge, and Crystal Laboe; great-grandchildren, Gracie (Kadin) Cope, Abbie Brady, Allie Brady, Ethan Brady, Eli Brady, Felicity Bell, Brett Bell, Devin Judkins, Cole Judkins, Zack Pruitte, Tyler Pruitte, Blake Pruitte, Bryce Stembridge, Cali Stembridge, Kaitlynn Fry, Haile Fry, Summer Fry, Trenton Fry, Jennaveve Fry, Addaline Laboe, Everly Conley; great-great-grandchild, Khodi Cope. The family has honored Mr. Laboe's request to be cremated, and a Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held 11 AM Thursday October 1, 2026, at DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses in memory of Mr. Laboe. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Laboe family.
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