Louis Joe Massaglia

Louis Joe Massaglia, 92, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, at Highlands Health Care and Rehabilitation in Bella Vista, Ark. He was born May 19, 1925, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Michael August and Mary Velia Massaglia.

He graduated from Pittsburgh High School in 1942. He had a successful, 35year career with the J.C. Penney Co., where he managed stores in Oakley, Kan.; York, Neb.; Hays, Kan.; and Independence, Mo.

It was during his first assignment with Penney’s in Pittsburgh that he met his wife of 59 years, Billie Nadean Martin of Weir, Kan. They were married on Feb. 10, 1945. Upon retiring from the Penney’s company in 1980, he and Billie opened the M&M Gift Shoppe in Bentonville, which they operated for 13 years, until 1993.

Throughout his life, he was active in many Civic/ Service Clubs and Chamber of Commerce organizations, several in which he served as president. Following his heart and faith, he and his family also actively served in various churches of the communities in which they resided. Upon their final move to Bella Vista he and Billie joined the Bella Vista Community Church, worshiping there more than 30 years, serving in various capacities including chairing the Memorial Committee.

He was a lifelong music enthusiast. In his youth he played lead trumpet professionally in two bands during the Big Band Era. Throughout his life music and dancing were among his greatest joys and hobbies, often quoting “life isn’t worth living if you aren’t having fun.”

In 1984, he and Billie organized, planned and hosted the first M&M Gift Shoppe Family Gathering, which became known as “The Tourney.” They continued to plan and host the event, which has an average attendance of 50 family members, until 2012 when he moved to Brookfield Assisted Living Center. The Tourney lives on and celebrated its 33rd consecutive year last July.

He was a hardworking, intelligent, humorous, dedicated Christian family man.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie; a son, Martin Louis; daughter-inlaw, Jacqueline Darlene; and a brother, Leonard.

He is survived by his three sons, Michael and wife Vivian of Bella Vista, Mark and wife Amy of Windsor, Conn., and Matthew of Hays, Kan; a daughter-in-law, Kay of Royersford, Pa.; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeral mation.com.