Julius Joseph "Joe" Legako
1921 – 2019
Julius Joseph "Joe" Legako passed from this world into the loving arms of Jesus Christ and his wife, Mary Ann, on July 26, 2019.
During his 97 years, Joe was a man of integrity, strength and kindness. He lived a life of service and devotion to his students, friends, brothers and sisters, and family.
Born September 18, 1921 in Wellston, OK, Joe was the devoted son of Polish immigrants, Edward and Helen Pietrosiewicz Legiejko. He was the 8 th of 13 children—8 boys and 5 girls. Growing up, Joe learned many life lessons from his mother and father. They gave him an appreciation for education, strong work habits and fair discipline—values that he would pass on to his daughters.
Joe was first to admit that he was his grandmother's (Babka) favorite grandchild. "I was her pet and could do no wrong. My brothers, Steve and Victor, always got the blame."
Growing up on the farm was filled with many farm chores, swimming in the Deep Fork river and hunting. "Farm life was hard, but we were young and had a lot of energy. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Joe had a love of poetry and recited (without one mistake) "O Captain! My Captain!" during his 8 th grade graduation. Another favorite poem that he recited many times for his daughters and granddaughters, was "Frogs at School." When he visited his 3 rd grade teacher, Miss Jones, many years later when she turned 100 years old, he recited the poem once again.
During high school, Joe discovered his love of agriculture and the Future Farmers of America. He also participated in all types of sports—basketball, baseball and track—and was the only senior boy to letter in all three.
Joe attended Connors State College, and then went on to achieve his B.S. in Agronomy and M.S. in Agriculture Education at Oklahoma State University. He remained loyal to the Pokes and passionate about OSU wrestling.
During World War II, Joe served in the Pacific Theater in the Marine Corp and later, in the Merchant Marines.
After serving, Joe was teaching veterans in Wellston when he met Mary Ann Norman. Soon, Joe was asking Mary Ann's parents for her hand in marriage. (He claimed that Mary Ann chased him, but admitted he made sure that she would catch him.)
Joe and Mary Ann were married in Luther on August 1, 1948 and lived as a loving couple for more than 70 years. They made their home in Watonga with their two daughters, Meridith and Jana.
Joe spent 29 years as an agriculture teacher in Hitchcock and Watonga. FFA was an important part of his life since it allowed him to shape and support young men's lives in farming. He regularly met with his students and their families since he encouraged families to be part of their sons' agricultural education.
Joe expected his students to prepare, work hard and do their best. He helped many attain state and national awards in farming, including numerous consecutive years of State Wheat Kings. Joe himself was recognized as Oklahoma's Outstanding Agriculture Teacher in Soils, Crops and Fertilizers and Outstanding Agriculture Teacher in Soil Conservation. He was recognized for his excellence in teaching, yet it was his personal attention to students and their needs that set him apart.
While he achieved much, he remained unpretentious and genuine throughout his lifetime.
After retirement, Joe and Mary Ann moved to Edmond where they lived for more than 25 years. In 1999, and then again in 2002, they welcomed the arrival of their granddaughters, Mary Ann and Susan. They christened him as "Papa," a name that he lovingly welcomed.
Joe is survived by his daughters, Jana Legako of Oklahoma City and Meridith Scott of Tewksbury, New Jersey; his son-in-law, Joe Scott and granddaughters, Mary Ann Aja Scott and Susan Lora Scott; and the many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
Gifts in his memory should be made to the OSU Foundation and designated to the Joe Legako Excellence in Agricultural Education (21-74000). Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749. Donations can also be made at www.OSUgiving.com .
A service will be held at Church of the Servant on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. A graveside service will be held at Wellston Cemetery on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 10:00 A.M.