Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Josph L. Lister


22, of Pleasanton, Kansas.
Lister was in a convoy when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on November 20, 2003.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Josph L. Lister.

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"20 years Jo, I can't believe it has been that long since the world has heard your voice. Our high school did something for you today. They honored you, your wife, and Micah. I was a beautiful thing to watch. Being back in our high school sure brought back many memories, it was like I could hear you laughing and talking in the halls. I love you Josph Lister, you were and still are a brother to me. I will see you again and boy will we have some catching up to do."
Lindsay of Pleasanton, Kansas

"14 years passed and I'm still not over loosing one of the best friends I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. It still hurts and I'm still seeking answers. Until we meet in Valhalla rest easy."
Larry Curl of America

"Been 13 years now. I still get emotional when I think about hanging out with you and Sierra. I'm retiring soon and have deployed a few more times since we lost you. I hope that whatever I've done throughout my career that I've honored your memory and the memory of all our fallen brothers and sisters."
Larry Curl of Ft. Bliss TX

"Miss you, brother! I think of you every D-Day, on your birthday. You were definitely one of a kind!"
George Milligan of Independence, MO

"Damn, Brother, who'd have thought we'd both have chose the military knowing us back in school days. You were as good a dude as can be back then and you're definitely a hero to me and many, many more. RIP man."
Johnnie of Higginsville, MO

"My best friend growing up. I will never forget his strong spirit. I still love you like we were blood."
Phillip Deatherage of Mayview, Missouri

"Lister and I were out in Gunnery I had forgotten my wallet at the B's. And I was extremely hungry & I didn't know Lister at the time he approached me because I looked famished I was SO hungry he asked me where I was from, I told him Baltimore, MD then I asked him where he was from and he replied with a smile and said "Kansas". There were a group of people that I wasn't a part of because I forgot my wallet and he asked "Did you need anything?" And I told him that I forgot my wallet so I couldn't buy food/drink. My wallet was back at the B's (we were in the field) and next thing I know he was kind enough to lend me 5 dollars. And he didn't know me from a can of paint. He was very kind, friendly, had an opened spirit. And we became friends since that point on. How I came to know he passed was through Stars and Strips; while I was on R & R,in Qatar I was very saddened because he would tell me how much he missed his son while in Iraq. God Bless R.I.P."
SPC Dickerson of Maryland, USA

"10 years, man I still get emotional thinking of it. Miss you and will never forget your sacrifice."
Jared Goertzen of Fort Hood, TX

"I will never forget!"
SSG Sam Tombs of Ft Riley , KS

"8 years, wow. wish it never happened. wish i woulda stayed on my tank or you woulda never got moved to it. miss ya forty watt. miss ya bad"
sgt rosie

"Getting around to that time of year. I miss him everyday, and more so this time of year. I had some great times with him at Ft. Riley. I can honestly say, he was the best friend I ever had. We got stuck on detail together in Kuwait, and that was the last time I ever saw him. The last thing he said to me was " I'll see you when I see you ". I miss him so much. The day he died was the worst day of my life. Sierra and Micah, where ever you are, I share this month with you. I think of you both often, and hope that you are well. His memory is carried by so many, and I know that I am not alone this month, as I remember my greatest friend."
William Halfmoon of Phoenix, AZ

"Hey Joey! I remember our first kiss! U used to make me laugh. I loved being around you. U were my brother's best friend when we were little. U 2 were inseperable. A piece of my spirit broke when I found out what happened but I did not want to believe it. I cannot begin to describe my feelings. You were one of a kind and me and my family will always love you. Rest in Peace :)"
Tiffanie of Higginsville, MO

"Still in our hearts and minds. We continue to honor your absence through your adorable son, Micah."
Yolonda Gray-Furman of Fort Scott, Kansas

"Dear Joe, Chase & I visit your grave every year. He hasn't forgotten (nor have I lol) all of the wonderful things you taught to him when he was little :) Canaan still can't talk about you without crying. I miss walking into the house in pleasanton & seeing you bouncing on the couch lol! You were always so full of life, & took every moment from it :) There are people in this world that blend in, & then there are people in this world that stand out like a flame in the darkness- you were the flame......you are truly missed, & you will live on in all of the lives you have touched with many fond memories :) God bless you & your family:)"
Tanya Gourd & family of Fort Scott,KS

""To the family of Josph L. Lister ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"SPC Lister and I served together with 1-34 Armor. We only knew each other in passing. Not long after SPC Lister passed away I was wounded and sent back to Fort Riley. I thought a lot about SPC Lister and the other men that we had lost. I know a part of me left with them. SPC Lister and the other's quickly became my strength. Because of their sacrifice I'm still Soldiering today. I live each day as a Soldier, honoring them. I thank the Soldier's and SPC Lister for everything you did for me."
SSG Glenn Schneider of Tikrit, Iraq

"November 16, 2008
To the family of Spc. Josph L. Lister:
Josph gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Lister today I was listening to Pink Floyd's song, 'Wish you were here' and I observed my American flag and Army flag I displayed for Veteran's Day flapping- you came to mind bro. I salute you, you paid the ultimate price. You will never be forgotten. This Knight 2-1 over and out...."
Sgt Vasquez, Jesus of Manteca, CA USA

"List ya didn't know me but your loss had a profound effect on me. You were the very first of many over there i learned more about after they had fallen. its been a while friend. rest in peace."
Spc. John Walls of Atlanta, GA

"Dear Family of Josph Lister:
To honor the Kansas soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts Project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

Please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Sincerely;
The artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"11/20/2007 Well it has been four years today Joe that you left this world for a better place. Micah Man has gotten so big. I'm just sorry that you can't be here to see it in person. He is Just like you down to a tee. The grass is green no he will fight tooth and nail to tell you it is yellow. he is so funny and we know he got his lighter side from you sweetie. It's hard without you and we miss you so much Micah has been asking so many questions about you and I try to answer them the best I can to a four year old's understanding. I'll tell you you sure left your mark on the world. Sleep well you are loved and missed everyday that we are here. Love always Sierra"
Sierra Lister-Herring of Fort Riley Ks

"Joe,
Billy and I went to see you on Friday. It was the first time either one of us had been to your graveside. We took our little girl to meet you. You would be so proud of all three of us. I know you would have never imagained that Billy and I would have ended up together, and no one would have ever imagined us having a baby. All we both could say was man I wish Joe was here to meet you in person. There is not one day that goes by that we don't think of you...Your pictures are plastered all over our house so we can never forget your face. We know that you are always with us, and sometimes that is the only thing that gets us through the day! We love you and miss you more than you could ever know. Joe you are a true American Hero, and you have acheived your goal, of proving everyone wrong!"
Amy Stark of Pleasanton, KS

"40 watt, its been over three years now and hardly a day goes by that your not in my thoughts, your laugh and the krispy kremes in the motorpool are sorely missed. Rest well warrior, rest well."
SGT Jeremiah Rosecrans of Ft. Bliss, TX

"Joe, I heard the news about 2 years ago and I could never bring myself to terms with you leaving us. SFC Williams informed me that you have moved on to watch over us as you did when we had lived together in the barracks with the rest of D Co. 1-33 AR. at Ft. Lewis Wa. I felt that I had truly lost a brother. One who would continously counsel me time after time and would bring me closer to our Lord. It was not a suprise to me at all to see how many lives you have touched and how many people you have helped along the way. Since all of us who served with each other in D Co. had moved on to serve in other places many of our paths have crossed. There has not been one person who does not bring up your name. I too have also had to pass on the news to alot of your old buddies only to watch thier head fall in disbelief. All of our early years in the Army have been spent with you and you are in so many of our memories it is so hard not to smile when I think of the things we have pulled off at that time. I truly believe like the rest of D Co. Our paths will cross again."
SSG Castillo, Reynaldo L of Cypress, Ca

"You the man Lister, You will not be forgotten"
SSG. Whalen of Morrisonville, IL

"My name is Sgt Vasquez, Jesus I was stationed with Lister in Ft. Lewis, WA. Lister and I were part of Delta company 1-33 AR BN, 2ID around the year of 2000. The way I met Lister a.k.a 'Listering' was as follows: Delta company 1-33 AR BN was a tight group of soldiers especially if you lived in the barracks which were mostly made up of single soldiers. One of our battle buddy's was Rey Castillo whom I hung around with. Castillo's room was the room to hang out at: to use the internet, tell stories, throw a few back and to hear Castillo play blues on his guitar. SPC Castillo (at the time) had his own room for the longest time until one day Lister shows up fresh out of basic to our company and ends up as Castillo's roomate. When I first saw Lister I noticed that he was friendly with everyone, polite, and well mannered. I asked him hey where are you from and I remember him smiling really big as if being proud and saying I am from Kansas. It took a while for us to accept Lister into our group as it is with any new soldier but let me tell you that guy grew on you! I can remember sitting in my barracks room and there'd be a knock on my door and there would be Lister standing there and I would ask him what's up, what do you need. And he'd respond to me saying I just want to see how you are doing and to talk to you. To me honestly that meant a lot and we'd share stories and conversations on just about everything. I remember Lister sharing with me how he was raised with his grandparents at the family farm. I remember one story he told me how it was a hot day in Kansas and he was out in the farm and Lister thought he would cool off one of the pigs by throwing a bucket of water on it. Lister said that when he threw the bucket of cold water on the pig, the pig fell over dead and he is trying to tell me this story laughing his head off. I asked him why did the pig die and he said that pigs don't sweat and since that pig was hot once the cold water hit his body the pig died of shock. I must admit I was laughing with him after that story. Lister also told me why he was raised by his granparents and when he told me about his parents that really touched my heart and from then on I took Lister under my wing 'to say'. Whenever I would see or hear somebody picking on Lister or making fun of him I would stop whoever it was and tell him to leave Lister alone and not to mess with him. Lister would later then come by my room with a big ol' smile and say 'Come on V (short for Vasquez) you didn't have to do that' and all I would say to him is Lister you're Ok with me and we take care of our battle budgy's. There are many other memories I have about Lister and I can write about them because he deserves it but those are my memories. The way I found out about Lister's death was through Rey Castillo. Castillo and myself are both in the California National Guard and I ran into him two weeks ago at Camp Roberts, CA during AT after over six years of not seeing Castillo. Castillo and I hung out that night at my barracks and we were reminiscing about Delta Company 1-33 AR days about past battle buddy's such as Hootman, Golden, Amperosa, Sanchez, Franco, Jordan, Nagata, Lindsey, etc. etc. I then asked Castillo what ever happened to his old roomate Lister and he told me what happened. I must admit I felt my heart sank and eyes water up. I felt so sad because Lister was such an innocent person and he had so many dreams. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and his son, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one but allow me to remind you he was a hero and a true friend. I mourn with you. May Listers' memory live forever.

Vasquez, Jesus
Sergeant
California National Guard

Delta company 1-33 AR, DARK NIGHTS

This is Knight 2-1 over and out...."
Sgt Jesus Vasquez of Modesto, Ca USA

"joe you were a heck of a guy glad i got to know you"
nick of amoret mo

"joe you were a heck of a guy glad i got yo know you"
nick of amoret mo

""hey joe, its me nick your best friend from basic training. god man i cant believe this happened. i remember one thing about you and that was me and you stuck together all through out basic training. we were like family. i still got pics of you and me and the guys from basic. i even still have the pic you gave me saying that you would take a bullet for me. i never expected that this would happen. i remember the times we would talk and share letters about our families back home and the ones we loved. i never got over what has happened to you, you were more than a friend to me, you were family. i loved you like a bro. i wish that none of this has happened. but what can i do? i still have the mempries and the love for u man. i wish to express my condolences to the family and friends that knew joe. it was a tremendous loss to us all."
nick torres of bronx, nyc

"Hey Joe! You were a great guy. You may not have known me, but I knew you a little. You were a really nice guy and you cared so much about everyone. I am so glad that you helped America out. It is a shame that you didn't come home. Everyone in Pleasanton will pray and pray for you. I know I have been. Please watch over us in our times of need. We all love you and we have pictures of you forever in our hearts. Take care Joseph! WE <3 YOU!"
?????? of Pleasanton, Kansas

"he is a good guy and i was gald to know him and i am very proud of him for what he has done for our country"
scott simmons of Pittsburg Kansas

"I know that this was is very painful for everyone but it does hit harder when it is someone from your home town. My name is SFC Joie (Lane) Bier. I am too from Pleasanton. I am the parents of Darrell and Tina Lane. I am stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky and too am on my way to Iraq. I know that it is different now than it was then but it still touches everyone around. I am so sorry for your loss and sorry that I never got the chance to meet this fine young man. You will always be in everyones prayers."
Joie Lane of Ft. Campbell, KY

"I don't even know where to begin. It has been over a year now and it still feels unreal. I don't even know how to put into words how this loss feels for me. So I really can't imagine how it must feel to his family. I never got to meet Jo's wife or son. And for that I am truely sorry. But I do know that Jo search for TRUE love his whole life. All he ever wanted was to have someone to love him completely. The last two times I saw Jo he was so happy. He told me that he had met Seirra and he thought she was the one. And I guess he was right because the next time I saw him they were married and expecting. He pulled me over on Tiger and gave me the good news. I remember him opening the back door of my car and leaning in to kiss my son and when he got out he told me they were talking about sending him to Iraq but he didn't know when. I was upset and asked him why. He hugged me and said "I got to do it so that our kids will know the same freedom we do." ........ Well Jo I thank you everday I wake up and see my son sleeping next to me. And I promise I will never let your memory fade. Someday my son will show his kids your picture and talk about his mom's best friend ... Josph "JoJo" Lister the real American HERO.
To Granny, Grandpa, and Ben you are in my heart and my prayers. I love you!!!
To Seirra although we never met we share a great love and I hope you know that his love for you was more than his love for life.
And lastly to Micah I hope you can read this someday and understand just how much your father love you and just what kind of person your father was. He truely was a special person and there is no one in this world your father met he didn't leave his mark on. He truely left his mark on the world .... and the biggest mark he left was YOU!"
Steph of Pleasanton, KS.

"Joe was my cousin Billy Harris' best friend and he was also my buddie. Every time he would come back from Fort Riley, he came to my aunt Teddis (Billy's mom)and he would give me a dollar. We had a little joke that evertime he saw me he thought he had to pay me money. He always told me not to show the other kids. It was just a little joke that the two of us had. It has been one year last month since he has been gone and I miss him terribly. He was just like a brother to me. Now everytime I go home, I lay in bed at night and I can just vision him standing at heavens gates holding a dollar for me. It hurts so bad to know that he isn't here anymore. But I know that he is in heaven waiting for me. I love you so much Joe! P.S. Sierra and Micah I love the both of you so much and I hope you come and see everyone soon!!!"
Love your dollar buddy, D.D. of Pleasanton K.S.

"jo became a good frend of mine after he married my sister. he was a great guy and better solder. i will always mis him as a brother and will remember him forever"
michael caretti of curlew WA USA

"I first met Joe his sophmore year in high school, when Joe and my son Billy Harris became best friends. Joe and Billy were unseperatable what one did the other followed. They always said one day they would change the world, and Joe did he changed our world. He showed us how to fight for what you want and except what life gives you and never give up. Joe became one of my kids and i loved him as one. The day Joe died a big part of my heart died with him, and now one year later the emptiness in my heart still remains. I'll never forget how one little boy became my HERO. And to Seirra an Micah I'll always love you guys and I'll always be here if you ever need anything all you have to do is call. with all my prayers"
Teddi Wisdom of Pleasanton Ks. USA

"To Sierra, Joe's Wife and a loving mother, I would like to take this oppertunity to give my condolences. Joe was positive and motivated, I do and will continue to miss him dearly. I remember the trip we made together to Topika for steak You, Joe, Tina and myself and think about the great time we had and how I wish we could all do it again. I spoke to joe just a few weeks before while making a run to get some parts to repair a vehicle at our base camp, and all he could talk about was getting home to you and Micah I can not express my sadness to you and How deeply I feel for your loss. Please Know that you were his life and eternal love, be proud of him and always remember he did his best and gave his all for his family and country"
SGT. Larry Curl of HHC. 1-34 AR. Fort Riley Kansas

"Joe was only related to me for about a month, but he's still family. I know it's been a year since his death, but I know my cousin, Sierra, his wife, is still mourning his death. I want her to know we all love her!"
????? of Kansas

"God Bless you soldier you are my hero and I pray for your family."
Pete Daniels of Independence, KS

"To Sierra, Micah, Yolanda and Family.
Godspeeden.
Even in silence and in darkness ... The Padula Family of New York is with you."
Frankie of Colonie, New York

"God bless SPC Lister."
SGT Alia Taylor of 761st EOD, Fort Sill, OK

"I Just today, learned that Lister was killed in action, I am really saddened by this, because Lister's is truley a story that needs to be told. When I arrived at D Co 1-33 Armor in Aug of 2000, he was one of the first soldiers I was warned about. He truley was one of those guys you just didn't want to have under you as a leader, a "leadership challenge" if you will, however everything changed when he realized the company was there for him. A new soldier to the unit arrived while we were doing recovery from a field problem and was placed in Lister's room. Lister had had his own room for weeks and had decided to use both wall lockers in the room. Well new guy (who will remain nameless) took it up on him self to empty the contents of Lister's wall locker on the floor and step all over his clothes. Lister imedietly came to me, the first NCO he saw in the B's. Then the troops were rallied 100 MPH tape and 550 cord was rounded up and Mr. New guy was put in his place. After this Joe realized he was truley part of a team of people that looked out for each other. He turned a complete 180 and became an outstanding soldier. I'm sure E-Bach who wrote earlier remembers this well.

The last time I saw him was in the DFAC, he had been rerassigned to support platoon but was on his way to Korea, he told me he had gotten married and was looking forward to his PCS, we put our trays up, and I told him I'd see him around and we exited differant doors. Truley a shame, I'm sorry this had to happen Joe. I'll see you at Fiddler's Green soon enough"
SGT Tolbert of Houston, TX

"There will never be a day when I no longer remember and respect the sacrifices made by Josph Lister. He was a wonderful man, who brought happiness and laughter and joy to all who knew him. He was a friend, and a father, and a husband, and a Hero. To: Sierra and Micah, I love you guys with all of my heart and I know that the Lord walks with you and will hold you up in the darkest hours. I promise to never forget and to always make sure that no one else does either. I love you!"
Misty Crumpler of Fort Riley, Kansas

"You were allways a friend to me, you were allways a freind to evey one, and you will allway missed. Thanks for every thing!"
Jared Goertzen of Ft. Wainwright

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family:
I just want to thank your son for fighting and giving his life for my freedom. I am sorry for your loss."
Tami Ivory of Fulton, IL

"To the family of SPC Lister:

I am very sorry about your loss. I was the Executive Officer of C Co, 1-72 AR in Korea, and worked with SPC Lister often. I learned of his death from another former member of the company. We were a very close group over there. I remember SPC Lister as a very hard-working, yet fun-loving soldier. He thrived in our small company. He will always be in my memories."
CPT Steve Wasilausky of Heidelberg, Germany

"My heart goes out to Spc. Lister's family and friends. I served with Lister while stationed at Ft. Lewis. I spent many of nights hanging out with Lister and many days working next to him. We were in Delta Co. 1-33 Armor Reg, 25th ID. The day i arrived at Ft. Lewis, Joe was the first person there to say hello and introduce himself. He lived across the hall from me in the barracks. From there we were friends. I took Joe to meet my family and my wifes family in montana a few times. he left such an impression that even my parents and wife's parents know him by first name. When Lister found out he was going to Korea he Gave me a necklace of two hands praying and told be to always have faith. The necklace was where he got the inspiration for the tattoo of the two hands praying on his arm. Not too many people can leave such an impact of somebody else like Joe could.
Joe, I miss you man...
-ebock"
Mike Elbrecht of Spokane, WA

"To those of you that see this page. On behalf of Sierra Lister and her son Micah, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Please continue the vigil in praying for all the soldiers and for their safe return home"
Yolonda D. Furman, Joe's mother-in-law of Fort Scott, Kansas, USA

""We will never forget you , and how braveand willing you were to lose your life for us and to keep our country safe. I am sure the family is very proud. i thank you for fighting for us""
Alyssa of Barker,ny

"Specialist Lister, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Josph will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"to joe's brother Ben and and wife and son,
I knew joe before he became a man. Just a young boy with dreams of making a difference. Was so proud to hear of all his acomplichments, his mother would have been very proud.
He did make a difference in the whole world by defending our dreams and to help others relize theirs.
I will never forget that smile, you all have seen it, "the cookie jar smile". he would spend hours drawing or mostly trying to figure out the words to a new song,he did so love music.
I will always miss joe as i do his mom ,val,they both touched my life in a way I can't explain but in apositive way.
thanks Joe and tell your mom I miss her
robin ratcliff
lawrence ks"
robin ratcliff of topeka kansas

"Thank you Josph Lister, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Josph Lister.

Let me start by expressing my deepest condolences to you. My name is Staff Sergeant Robert Baum. Josph was my loader while stationed in Korea. I was in the field when I heard about your loss. Josph was a great soldier, father and person. I have fond memories of working with Josph. Once again my deepest condolences go out to you and your family.

Sincerely SSG R. Baum"
Robert Baum of Ft Stewart, GA

"To the family and friends of Spc. Josph Lister:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Josph for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Josph Lister:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Josph, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on