Joseph Earl Behanna, 92, of Fairmont, passed from this life Wednesday (March 28, 2012) at the WV Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg.
He was born in Warwood on Oct. 3, 1919, a son of the late William Allen and Mary Catherine Taylor Behanna.
Joe was a Christian by faith. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was listed as a POW. He retired from the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant when it closed, with 37 years of service. He was formerly a member of the Marion County Police Reserves.
He was a very likeable fellow who enjoyed visiting with people and will be missed by all who knew him. He also enjoyed reading his Bible, playing board games and watching quiz shows, especially “The Price is Right”.
Mr. Behanna is survived by his four daughters and three sons-in-law, Rev. Elma Mae and Aubra Cole of Morgantown, Mildred Stafford and her companion Jan Abrahamowic of Amherst, Ohio, Amanda and David Myers of Fairmont, and Margaret and Randall Ratliff of Marion, Ohio; one sister, Thelma Behanna of Wheeling; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Robert Behanna of Washington, and James and Bette Behanna of Sarasota, Fla; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Grathan Radcliff Behanna on June 21, 1995; one brother and two sister-in-laws, William and Zelma Behanna and Marlene Behanna; one granddaughter, Terri Myers; and one great-grandaughter, Stephanie Little.
Joseph’s family would like to thank the folks at both Fitzwater’s Personal Care and Decker’s Personal Care for the special care he received before going to the Veterans facility. A very special ‘thank you” to all the wonderful staff at the Veterans Nursing Facility for the love and care he received there.
There will be no funeral home visitation for Joe. A graveside service will be held at the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Saturday at noon, with full military honors being presented by the Marion County Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family.