Joseph Powers

He was born in Peoria to Thomas and Nellie (Barnett) Powers. He married Betty J. Daily on January 4, 1947 in Peoria. She died December 11, 2003.

Also preceding in death were his brothers, Robert and Edward and sisters, Ann Morel and Kathleen Ditewig.

Joe’s greatest enjoyment was his family and he is survived by his daughter, Colleen (Robert) Sands of Monee, IL; two granddaughters, Saryn and Shaely Sands, both of Monee and many nieces and nephews.

Joe graduated from Manual High School and worked as an apprentice bricklayer for J.R. Whalen Co. During this time, he played basketball for the Proctor Comets under Coach Neve Harms and softball for the original Gipps Brewers for three years. In 1942, Joe enlisted with his brother, Bob, and cousin, John Powers, in the Army paratroopers. While in the Army he was on the boxing team coached by Lt. Kelley and on the basketball team coached by Lt. Dick Winters of “Band of Brothers” fame.

On D-Day, June 6th, Joe jumped into Normandy, France, behind enemy lines with “A” Company of the 506th Regiment “Band of Brothers” of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles. He was wounded there and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

On September 17, 1944 he jumped again into Holland with the 101st for Operation “Market Garden” for which the movie “A Bridge Too Far” was made. He was wounded again and was awarded a second Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After an honorable discharge from service, Joe attended American University in Washington D.C. and was appointed from there as a National Service Officer for the Disabled Veterans organization and was assigned to their regional office in St. Louis, MO. In 1947 he returned to Peoria to marry Betty Daily and rejoined the Peoria Fire Department after a leave of absence for school. He ultimately served there for 26 years and retired as the District Chief of District One in 1974. After retirement he continued to work at his old trade as a Union Brick Mason for the Kelley Masonry Co. where he served for 20 more years. He built a new home in the country near Mapleton where he and Betty enjoyed the country life for 26 years until Betty’s health issues required a move back to Peoria.

In retirement, Joe spent much of his time outdoors - gardening, mowing his acres and fishing at the cabin on Lake Chautauqua near Havana.

Joe loved to sing his entire life and continued this talent throughout his retirement. He played the harmonica well and often entertained family and friends.

Memorial visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria with an Honor Guard provided by the Peoria Fire Department. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 23rd at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Peoria with Father Thomas Hensler officiating. Military Funeral Honors will be rendered by the US Army and American Legion Post 2 of Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, Tenn or to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Watseka, IL 60970

Condolences and memories may be shared through Davison-Fulton.com