Joseph Styer, Jr. 96, died peacefully Tuesday morning, September 6, 2016 at The Abbewood in Elyria. He was born April 18, 1920 in Berlin Township and spent parts of his childhood living in Smithville, Wooster, and Millersburg where he graduated in 1938. He was a resident of Wellington for most of his adult life. Joseph served for four years in the United States Navy as a submariner in the South Pacific. From 1942-1943 he was part of five patrol runs that accounted for the sinking of 13 Japanese ships, for which he earned a Silver Star. He was part of a mission that saved 38 Chinese women and children from the Japanese in Bougainville, Solomon Islands. They also rescued a group of nuns from Japanese held territory. He earned the Silver Star for his heroism. After the war he returned to Wellington where he worked as a truck driver for several companies, joking that he was a "commercial tourist." He retired from Consolidated Freightways after fourteen years and accumulating over a million miles. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking, raising and selling strawberries, and working on remodeling projects at his church. His family enjoyed receiving many of his wood creations. He was a member and served on the board of the New Life Assembly of God Church for many years. Joe will always be remembered for his sense of humor, one-liners, and favorite sayings. After, the passing of his first wife, Doris (nee Jordan) he found love again and married Catherine Horvath (nee Klingler). They were married for 41 years. Joseph is survived by his children: Sandra Styer, of Lexington, Ky., Jeanene Collins (nee Horvath) (Bob) of Wellington, Franklyn (Pamela) Horvath of Vermilion, Rick (Lori) Horvath of Elyria. He had seven grandchildren: Stephanie Lawrence, Bobbi Forrest (nee Collins), Brian Collins, Erik Horvath, Sarah Horvath, Daniel Horvath, and Lindsey Ramsey (nee Horvath). Also, seven great-grandchildren: Jason, Preston, Camden, Grayson, Hudson, Gia, and Hannah. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph L. and Amanda Styer, first wife, Doris Styer, wife Catherine Styer, son Theodore Styer (Feb 2008), brother Mervin Styer and his beloved dog Butterscotch. Visitation will be on Friday, September 9, from 4-7pm at the Norton-Eastman Funeral home, 370 S. Main Street, Wellington OH. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 10, at 10:30am at the funeral home. Pastor Mark Sowersby will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 2047 Lorain Rd., Cleveland OH 44126. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at The Abbewood. Online condolences can be expressed at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Cemetery Details