Posted by Joe Barkley on June 30, 2026:

Eulogy for Joe McChristian JR. When we were cadets, I did not know Joe McChristian well, if at all. He was sort of in a different" atmosphere" then I was. Joe graduated 11th in the Class; he was perennially a "Star Man," and I was not. I had a great deal of respect for him and found myself in a study and work group for the Strength of Material/ Civil Engineering project in "Firstee Year." To some extent I was a bit in awe of him. Years later right after the 50th Reunion, Diane and I did a favor for him and provided transportation from a classmate's funeral over to the location where Joe was staying in DC. During that trip we bonded and formed a long overdue friendship. Joe was a guest in our house in Newtown. He was a guest lecturer in the International Business course I taught using his experience in international business and economics. He contributed a couple of times to the material in the course. He was a great help. That made me wish that I have known Joe longer and as a cadet. Sometimes we just realize things too late We stayed in touch; traded Christmas cards; caught up at subsequent reunions. Diane and I enjoyed every exchange with Joe. He was interesting, down to earth, and brilliant in a quiet way. Diane said that he was always the "perfect gentleman." We will miss him! About Joe we can truly say, "Well Done!"

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