England Jr., Joseph Edley

Joseph Edley (Joe) England, Jr., 88, of 50 Massie Drive in Christiansburg, Va., formerly of 1303 North Walker Street in Princeton, W.Va., died on Sunday, August 12, 2007 the New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg, Va.

Born November 10, 1918 in Vicksburg, Miss., he was the son of the late Joseph Edley England, Sr. and Dorothy Gertrude Johns England. Joe had a very distinguished career in the U.S. Army Air Corp serving during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart. He was a retired Sales Rep. for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and was a former educator having taught classes for Bluefield Business College. He was a member of the Princeton Presbyterian Church, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Princeton Elks Lodge #1459.

 In addition to his parents, his wife, Jane van Staveren England; one son, Phillip Lloyd Martin; one brother, William Earl England; and one sister, Hilda Rose Jones preceded him in death.

Survivors include three daughters, Ruth England Johnson and husband, Frank, of Christiansburg, Va. with whom he made his home, Donna J. Martin Drake and husband, Charles Drake, Jr,. of Chesapeake, Va., and Lisa Martin Stowe and husband,, Richard of Columbia, S.C.; eight grandchildren, Andrea Miller and husband Greg, Joseph Drake and wife, Angie, Christopher Drake, Rebecca Jane Drake, Sherri Beckner and husband, Jay, Kimberly Higgins, Greg Johnson, and Gary Lee Martin and wife, Linda; and eleven great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be conducted at Monte Vista Park Cemetery with Pastor Jay Beckner and son-in-law, Charles Drake officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Princeton Chapter 31, P.O. Box 1758, Princeton, WV 24740. Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton, W.Va. is in charge of arrangements.