Joseph H. Kolker, died surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, January 13, 2020, only a few days after his 81st birthday. He was born on Saturday, January 7, 1939 to Walter and Anna (Nelson) Kolker in Apache, Oklahoma. In 1943 the family, including his older sister Mary, moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Joseph’s father, Walter went to work for the Coleman, Company. Joe began first grade at St, Joseph Elementary where he attended throughout his elementary years. In 1957, he graduated from Father Kapaun High School then attended Wichita State University for one year, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. In 1961, Joseph joined the U.S Army where he proudly served as a medic until his honorable discharge in 1963. Upon his return from the military, he returned back to Wichita, where he met and married the love of his life Marilyn Quick. In the fall of 1966, the newlyweds moved and made Irving, Texas their home. Not long after their first beloved child Kimberly was born, then 2 years later they welcomed their son John into the world. Joe accepted and began work at Bell Helicopter, where he worked for 33 years, retiring in 1999. Joe and Marilyn enjoyed traveling around the United States. They bought a cabin in Cuchara, Colorado and spent 20 happy summers, there. The family lovingly recalls the cruise the two took on their 50th anniversary, down the Rhine River in Germany. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marilyn Kolker; daughter Kim Kasten; son John Kolker; 2 granddaughters Emma and Hannah Kolker; sister Mary Miller as well as numerous extended family and loving friends. A funeral service with Military Honors will be held 1:30pm, on January 25, 2020 at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church, 1615 W. Airport Fwy in Irving. A committal service will be held at a later date in Elgin, Oklahoma.