Memorial service for SFC (Retired) Joseph J. "Papa Joe" Lefebvre will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

SFC (Retired) Joseph J. "Papa Joe" Lefebvre, age 85, Lawton, died Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his residence.  He was born May 31, 1931 in St. Justin, Canada.  He grew up in Montreal and at the age of seventeen moved to Ashland, Massachusetts and enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He married Helga Goetz on February 6, 1954 in Germany.

He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years retiring at Fort Sill on July 31, 1973.  He was a Vietnam veteran having served two tours of duty in Vietnam.  His awards include the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, three overseas service bars, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal and eight awards of the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his retirement from the Army he did custom marble work for Conway & Hale and later worked for many years in the engineering department for Comanche County Memorial Hospital as a carpenter.

He is survived by his wife, of the home; four children, Jeannette Klein and husband John, Lawton, Bruce Lefebvre and wife Kathy, Lawton, Blane Lefebvre, Oklahoma City and Blake Lefebvre, Lawton; daughter-in-law, Mariane Patrylo; seven grandchildren, Baylor McCracken, Stacy Ellis and husband Gary, Michele Lefebvre, Leah Foster and husband David, Kari Lefebvre and Joe Martin, Jared Lefebvre and wife Courtney and Bryce Lefebvre; ten great grandchildren; his sister, Yvette Wiley.

His son, Michael Patrylo, and a sister, Pauline, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield College, Gift Records, 263 Alden Street, Springfield MA 01109-9987.  Please note "74 Scholarship – Mike Patrylo" on your remittance or to the charity of the donor's choice.