Joe W. Cherry

Joe W. Cherry, 84, passed away June 10 at Aultman Hospital surrounded by his wife, and two of his daughters. Born in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 24, 1925, he moved to Tucson, Ariz. at a very early age with his family.

He attended Tucson High School where his performance on the basketball court in his junior and senior year earned THS its first state championship in many years and lead him to be selected to the All-State Team. He continued his basketball career at the University of Southern California before being drafted into the U.S. Army. A WWII veteran, he served in the Army Medical Corps received numerous medals for his dedicated service including the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

At his tour's completion, Joe returned to the University of Arizona to play basketball where his team won three consecutive conference championships and competed in the NCAA National Championship. Upon graduation he pursued graduate studies in biochemistry and returned to active military duty serving in the Korean Conflict and retired at the rank of Captain, United States Army. Following release from military service, he began employment with El Paso Natural Gas Company as a landman in their oil and gas exploration department which led to his transfer to Ohio.

At that time he decided to start his own company, Petrocon, Inc. locating it in East Canton. He became an influential pillar of the community. Joe was known for his participation in local activities and philanthropic pursuits. Especially important to him were his contributions to the Foltz Community Center of East Canton, East Canton High School Academic Achievers Program, and the Indian Run Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Louella Cherry, and his sister, Margaret Robb Thomas.

He is survived by his sisters, Jane Cherry Calhoun and Mary Ruth Cherry (Wesley) Bramhall. He leaves his devoted wife of 51 years, Madeleine and his four children, Robert (Corienne) Cherry, Jennifer Cherry (Jefferson) Holston, Susan Cherry (Christopher) Bowman, and Sharon Cherry (John) Daugherty; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Julie) and Brittany Cherry, Heidi and Haley Holston, Sarah and Rachel Bowman, Brooke and Clark Daugherty; and two great-granddaughters, Avah and Kylie Cherry.

A memorial service will be held at the Indian Run Christian Church, 8368 Hill Church St. SE, in East Canton, Saturday, June 19 at 2 p.m. with Terry Bailey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that contributions be made to any one of these organizations on his behalf, Indian Run Christian Church, Foltz Community Center, 224 N. Wood St., East Canton, OH 44730 or East Canton High School Academic Dept., 310 Browning Ave., East Canton, OH 44730. Condolences or fond memories may be shared online at www.sandersfuneralhomes.com.