Joseph Floree Redden

Joseph Floree Redden

Joseph was born the only son to the late Catherine and Angus Redden in Columbus, Ohio.

Joseph was artistically, academically, and athletically talented.  Throughout his high school and college years, Joseph participated in Track, Baseball, Basketball, and Football.  Joseph was the Quarterback of the Glenville Football team and earned athletic honors and a full-ride scholarship to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio while graduating from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

While attending Central State University, Joseph enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War from 1954-1956. In addition, Joseph earned Army All-Star Catcher Honors while stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1954.  Upon graduation, Joseph played professional football for the Toronto Argonauts for two years.

Joseph earned his Bachelors Degree in Art Education and All-Conference Athletic Honors from Central State University in 1958, his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Emporia State (KS) University in 1963, and his Educational Specialist Degree from Emporia State (KS) University in 1970.

Joseph’s educational career began as an Art Teacher and Assistant Coach at the historic Sumner High School, Kansas City, KS for 12 years from 1959 to 1973. Also, Joseph taught Art Education at Central High School, Lincoln High School, and several elementary schools in the Kansas City, MO School District for over 25 years before his retirement from education in 1994. 

In addition, Joseph became the first African-American Vice Principal at Washington High School and later served as Vice Principal at Coronado Junior High School, both located in Kansas City, Kansas.

Joseph had many interests and hobbies including painting and photography. Joseph was a former member of the Beta Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri and the Retired Missouri Teachers Association. Joseph also held lifetime memberships with the National Education Association and the Central State University Alumni Association.

Joseph was married the love of his life, the late Faith Spears Redden for 42 years. Survivors include Daughter, Terri Lisa Redden of Overland Park, Kansas; In-Laws, Hayward and Hattie Spears of Leawood, Kansas; Bobbie Jean Williams of Denver, Colorado and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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