JOE DIAMOND, 95, of St. Marys, Ohio passed away peacefully at Otterbein St. Marys on Sunday, May 28, 2017. He was born on January 21, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Abe and Fannie Diamond. In March, 1950  he married the love of his life, Dorothy Aufderhaar.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Mark) Wendel of St. Marys, his step-son, Charles (Patti) Snedeker of Lake Forest, California, and his grandchildren, Ryan (Megan) Wendel of St. Marys, Donna Sawmiller of Sessor, Illinois, Chuck (Christy) Snedeker of Laguna Niguel, California, Patrick Snedeker of Lake Forest, California, Jeff Snedeker of Simi Valley, California, and Eric (Amanda) Wendel of Evanston, Illinois.  He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Jessica Nance, Joe Deininger, Joshua, Brian, and Elizabeth Snedeker, and Cade Wendel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and his siblings.

After graduating from John Adams High School in Cleveland, Joe attended The Ohio State University briefly. While he was attending the university, World War II began; Joe enlisted in the military after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, serving as a navigator in the United States Air Force. While overseas, his plane took fire and he earned the Purple Heart.

He retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Col and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

He later worked 28 years as a supervisor at the Avco New Idea Company, and he served as St. Marys City Auditor for 4 years.

Joe was very active in Freemasonry, having served as Past Worshipful Master, Mercer Lodge #121; Past Excellent High Priest, St. Marys Chapter #51 R.A.M.; Past Illustrious Master, St. Marys Council #81, R&SM; Past Worthy Patron, Hawthorne Chapter #119, Order of Eastern Star; he was  awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the Valley of Dayton, AASR.

He received the Grand Lodge Masonic Service Award in 2009, the Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Award in 2009, and the Grand Council Distinguished Award in 2016.

He was a member of VFW Post 9289 and Eagles Lodge 767, both in St. Marys.

His family and friends will remember Joe as a caring, giving man who always put others’ needs before his own. He was always willing to give advice on any situation, offering it with a witty story and a smile. He took advantage of every opportunity to make someone smile; all who knew him will remember his ability to share a wide variety of jokes and stories.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street in St. Marys, where a Masonic Service will be held at 8:00 PM. Donations may be made to the 32nd Degree Learning Center, Dayton, Ohio, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral rites  will be held Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Wayne Street United Methodist Church in  St. Marys with  Pastor Dillon Staas officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.

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