Voshell, Joseph Rees

Joseph Rees Voshell, 88, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2011, at the Showalter Center Assisted Living Facility in Blacksburg, Va. He was born on January 4, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pa., and grew up in Middletown, Del. He attended Tri-State College (now Tri-State University), but like many patriotic young men of his generation, he left college to serve in the military during World War II. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and was trained as a fighter pilot. He flew many combat missions from jeep carriers in the Pacific campaign and was decorated for his accomplishments. After the war he married Carolyn M. Daniels in 1946 and worked as a pilot at the Manteo, N.C., airport, where he transported cargo and sportsmen along the Outer Banks, which often involved landing on the beaches. In 1948 he moved his family to Norfolk, Va., where he lived until 2010. He was employed in civil service in the field of aeronautical engineering at the Naval Air Reworks Facility until his retirement in 1981. He also remained in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a flight officer until he retired at the rank of Commander in 1973. He was an active member of Talbot Park Baptist Church for about 60 years. He loved the outdoors and was an ardent hunter and fisherman. He was very skilled at woodworking and built seven boats by hand, the last of which was a 22-foot cabin cruiser. He also became a master waterfowl carver and won many awards at various shows and taught classes. He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Adiline P. Voshell; and two brothers, John W. Voshell Jr. and Frank P. Voshell. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn D. Voshell, of Blacksburg, Va.; a son and daughter-in-law, J. Reese Voshell Jr. and Trisha J. Voshell, of Floyd, Va.; a granddaughter, Stephanie M. Voshell, of Blacksburg, Va.; and nine nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, January 6, 2011, at Talbot Park Baptist Church in Norfolk, Va., with Dr. Robert Carpenter officiating. Interment was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will received friends from 10 a.m. until service time at Talbot Park Baptist Church. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of the Showalter Center and Medi Home Health and Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness they provided during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Voshell’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association , Southeastern Virginia Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, Va. 23502, www.alz.org/seva/ Arrangements by Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, hollomon-brown.com.