Joseph Henry Whilden Sr. passed away peacefully at home in Nampa on March 14, 2024. He spent the day surrounded by loved ones. Service will take place at the Nampa Civic Center on April 16th at 10:30 am. A private family scattering of the ashes will take place at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at a later time. Joseph was born February 12, 1942, in Leesburg, New Jersey to Joseph and Catherine Whilden and was one of five children. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and left the service in May of 1965. Joseph married Wava Janelle Heard on August 14, 1965. Joseph and Janelle had recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Together they raised six children. Joseph dedicated many years of service at various law enforcement agencies, including Canyon County Sheriff’s office and the community of Melba for many years. One of his greatest sources of pride was serving the citizens in the communities where he worked. His role as a police officer gave him the opportunity to make countless friends. He was recognized many times for his contributions to the community, including the Medal of Valor that he was awarded September 19, 1988. He also gave back to his community by fundraising for the Special Olympics and many other charitable programs both during his time working in law enforcement and after his retirement. Dad loved to work on various projects in his garage. Pulling up to the house to discover what new projects he had in the works was always a fun surprise. It would be anything from a village for his train set to restoring an old military Jeep to drive in the Veterans Day parade. He will be missed by us all. He is survived by his children: Troy Eastridge, Bob (Jody) Eastridge, Shelly Day, Jacki (Toby) Moore, Pam (Jim) Aschenbrenner and Joseph (Teri) Whilden Jr. Grandchildren: Dana, Joshua, Jonathan, Jennifer, Hailey, Megan, Bailey and Ben. Great grandchildren: Colten, Taylor, Ramie, Tyson, Landon, Ayana, Isabella, Isaac and Raelynn and his sister Adelia Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine; siblings, twin sister Kathy Quinn, Tressa Joyce and Bill Whilden. His beloved wife Wava Janelle Whilden passed away on March 19, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Special Olympics.
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