Joseph Elie Maghe, 69, of Riverton, died at 11:47 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Born June 28, 1952 in Pittsburg, Joe was the son of Joe and Josephine Rhodes Maghe. They preceded him in death.
Joe was a retired clerk for the United States Postal Service. He lived in the Riverton and Franklin area most of his life. He was raised in Franklin and attended Franklin Grade School. He graduated from Northeast High School, class of 1970. He then attended Pittsburg State University, Class of 1974, and received a degree in Geography.
Joe worked for Defensive Mapping and Aerospace Center as a cartographer in St. Louis, Mo. from 1976 to 1981. He played Mr. Mom from 1981 to 1984. The United States Postal Service was his home away from home from 1984 till he retired in 2013. He was very involved in his children’s sports. He coached basketball, football, softball and then became very involved coaching soccer. The Raptors, Firestorm, numerous recreational and competitive teams, and the 2003 to 2009 Riverton High School soccer team all called him ‘Coach.’ Most of his free time was spent pursuing his great love of the Civil War especially the 69th NY Irish Brigade, which resulted in an extensive collection of artifacts.
Immense love for God was clear throughout his adult life. Daily Mass was a frequent solace for him during the week. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baxter Springs where he was a lector, altar server, on the Parish Council and part of the Parish Leadership Team. His passion for evangelization led him to become a teacher for the children’s PSR as well as an instructor for RCIA. It also led him to be involved in Kapaun’s Men at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Joe married Debi Fager April 22, 1978 at St. Mi
Joe married Debi Fager April 22, 1978 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Girard. Joe is survived by his wife, Debi of the home, four
Joe is survived by his wife, Debi of the home, four children: Amanda Maghe of Galenam, Joseph (Samantha) Maghe of Wichita, Danielle (TJ) LaPlant of Rogers, Ark., and Derek (Kelly) Maghe of Kansas City, Mo., and eight granddaughters that he loved with his whole heart: Sophia, Josephine, Genevieve, Vilana, Dazey, Piper, Pia, and Amelia. He is also survived by a sister, JoAnne (Walt) Swezey of Oronogo, Mo. and niece, nephews, and cousins. Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catho
Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baxter Springs with visitation till 12 p.m. Rosary will also be said at 6 p.m. Friday at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church followed by visitation till 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg. Father Jeremy Huser, Father Jerome Spexarth, and Father Chrysostom Maung will serve as Celebrants.
Burial will be at the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. There will be a livestream available during the funeral mass and rosary at Our Lady of Lourdes. The rosary link is: https://youtu.be/UXY480en4ag and the funeral mass link is: https://youtu.be/VgXMjb3fkRQ. The family suggests memorials to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund in Baxter Springs or to the American Battlefield Trust (battlefields.org/help-save-battlefields). Donations may be sent to or left at Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.