Joe E. Davis, 78, of Meadville, died Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Meadville Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born July 9, 1930, in Corpus Christi, Texas, a son of the late H.B. and Iona Bynum Davis. He married Kathleen Nelson, Feb. 12, 1965, and she survives.

A U.S. Navy veteran during the Korean War, he served from 1948 to 1952. He was employed with the railroad, Celanese Chemical Co. of Bishop, Texas, and for Abex Corp. as a machinist from 1974 to 1988.

He enjoyed NASCAR, polka music, reading, his cats and especially loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Kathleen, of 44 years, include three daughters, Angela Davis of Erie, Sheila Brawley and her fiancé, Dale Fitzsimmons, of Meadville, and Jo Elaine St. Onge and her husband, Michael, of Erie; four grandchildren, Michael Brawley, Elizabeth Allen, Nicole St. Onge and Tyler St. Onge; two sisters-in-law, Delores Davis of Kingsville, Texas, and Rose Hefner and her husband, Leonard, of Booneville, Ark.; two brothers-in-law, Lee Nelson and his wife, Helen, of Cochranton, and Paul Nelson and his wife, Virene, of Cuba, Mo.; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Otis, Charles and Ted Davis; and a sister, Louise.

Calling hours are today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

The funeral will be Friday at noon at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dave R. Brumagin, chaplain of Meadville Medical Center, officiating.

Interment will be in Huber Cemetery with military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, Meadville.