Joe E. Davis

Joe E. Davis, 78, of Meadville, died Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Meadville Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born July 9, 1930 in Corpus Christi, TX, a son of the late H.B. and Iona Bynum Davis.  He married Kathleen Nelson February 12, 1965 and she survives.

A U.S. Navy veteran during the Korean War, he served from 1948 to 1952.  He was employed with the railroad, Celanese Chemical Company of Bishop, TX, and for Abex Corporation as a machinist from 1974 to 1988.  He enjoyed NASCAR, polka music, reading, his cats, and especially loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Kathleen of 44 years, include 3 daughters, Angela Davis of Erie, Sheila Brawley and her fiancé Dale Fitzsimmons of Meadville, and Jo Elaine St. Onge and her husband Michael of Erie; 4 grandchildren, Michael Brawley, Elizabeth Allen, Nicole St. Onge, and Tyler St. Onge; 2 sisters-in-law, Delores Davis of Kingsville, TX and Rose Hefner and her husband Leonard of Booneville, Ark.; 2 brothers-in-law, Lee Nelson and his wife Helen of Cochranton and Paul Nelson and his wife Virene of Cuba, MO; and nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Otis, Charles, and Ted Davis and a sister Louise.

Calling hours are today (Thursday) from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.  The funeral service will be Friday at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dave R. Brumagin, Chaplain of Meadville Medical Center officiating.

Interment will be in Huber Cemetery with military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, Meadville.