Joe David Minton

Joe David Minton was born on April 11, 1930, in Lubbock, Texas to Charlie Scott Minton and Julia Myrtle (Lay) Minton. He passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, in Bakersfield, California.

Joe’s early life was spent farming with his father after the family moved from Texas to Kern County, California, in 1932. He attended both Wasco and Bakersfield High Schools. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, working as a Military Police (MP) officer in France during the Korean War. He was promoted to Kennel Master for the last six months.

After his service, Joe lived in Pittsburg, California, before putting down roots in Bakersfield in1960. His work journey was nothing short of an adventure. He started with the Southern Pacific Railroad, moved on to the Bakersfield Fire Department, and spent the early 1970s working for Global Marine on the Hughes Glomar Explorer—a vessel at the center of a covert government operation to recover a sunken Soviet submarine. Following that thrilling chapter, Joe spent several years working for Cal Pacific Drilling as the Superintendent of Trucking and Rig Logistics, moving seven land rigs to various locations throughout California. Towards the end of his career, he was a truck driver for various companies out of Bakersfield, CA. 

Joe was a devoted father who was always there for his boys. He never missed a chance to support them, attending football games and important events, always showing up with a positive attitude and words of encouragement. He loved fishing, hunting, and traveling with his boys.

Joe was always the life of the party, bringing great energy, fun, and laughter everywhere he went. He took many fun trips to Laughlin, Nevada and Cabo San Lucas with family and friends. Golf was his game, but being around friends was his favorite part of it. For many years, he could be found sitting on his patio off the 7th fairway in Kern City, cocktail in hand, sharing laughs, stories, and memories with those he loved. When his grandkids came to visit, he would allow them to rowdily drive his golf cart around Kern City - they loved every moment and will cherish those memories forever. His humor, kindness, and ability to make people feel welcome will be deeply missed.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, James Minton. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Terry Wiersum, and five sons: Doug Minton (Eva) of Bella Vista, AR; Mitch Minton (Evelin) of Erie, CO; Kenny Minton (Shari) of Cobbs Creek, VA; Matt Minton of Boise, ID; and Kelly Minton (Karrie) of Castle Rock, CO. Joe was also blessed with thirteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Joe will be laid to rest at the Bakersfield National Cemetery during a private ceremony on November 6, 2024, coordinated by the Doughty-Calhoun-O’Meara Funeral Home. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Hoffman Hospice Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hoffman Hospice, 4325 Buena Vista Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311.