Joe Labay

Oct 31, 1939 -

Apr 9, 2020

Joe Jacob Labay, 80, died on April 9, 2020, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska, after suffering a stroke. He was with his immediate family at the time of his passing.

Joe was born on Oct. 31, 1939, in El Campo, Texas, to the late Jim and Marcella Labay. He graduated from high school in Louise, Texas. While in high school Joe was involved in several sports, but he was most passionate about baseball where his usual position was pitcher. He then went to Wharton County Junior College and Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Range Management.

Upon graduation, Joe began to work for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This was the start of a career with the BLM that spanned over 50 years. The beginning years of his career were spent working in the rangelands of New Mexico and Wyoming. Then in the early 1970s came an opportunity to work in Alaska which he quickly accepted. Soon after he met his wife Sally and they were married on May 18, 1973, at First Baptist Church of Anchorage.

During Joe's time with the BLM in Alaska, he was primarily involved with the conveyance of federal lands to the Alaska Native Corporations. One of the things that Joe loved most about his work in Alaska was the opportunity to travel across the state and meet with people in many different communities. After his retirement, he continued to travel and work in his garden.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Sally Labay. He is survived by his son, Keith Labay of Palmer; sister, Valeria (Bennie) Hundl of Wharton, Texas; brother, Stan (Carol) Labay of El Campo, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were made with Legacy Wasilla Heritage Chapel.