Joseph Michael “Joe” Mehl

Joseph Michael “Joe” Mehl, Sr., 87, of Billings, passed away peacefully on his birthday, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield. He was born Nov. 5, 1931 in Billings, the son of Martin F. and Mary Rose (Ortwein) Mehl.
Mehl was united in marriage to Geraldine Ruth “Jerri” Rinck on Jan. 25, 1999.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserves for over 30 years and worked at Dayco in the Research and Development department before retiring from both.
A lifelong resident of Billings, Mehl was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as an usher for the church, and was in their men’s club. He was instrumental in organizing the Billings Fire Department, where he was the assistant fire chief, and he worked many years as a volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling, and he also square danced at the Ozark Jubilee.
Mehl was preceded in death by his first wife, Don- nis Patricia Deely; a son, Joseph Michael “Joe” Mehl, Jr; grandson, Zachary Mehl; his parents; and siblings, Charles Mehl and Mary K. “Dee” Mehl.
He is survived by his wife, Jerri; daughters, Trish (Jody) Bramer, Teresa Mehl, and Katherine (Robert de Carle) Mehl; a daughter-in-law, Becky Mehl: step children, Rick (Anne) Lawson, Pam (Jacob) Gideon, and Sheila Allen; six grandchildren; four step grand- children; two great grandchildren; a brother, Raymond Mehl; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other extended family and friends.
A visitation was from 6-8 p.m., with the Rosary at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Meadors Funeral Home, 101 NE Pine, Billings, MO 65610. The funeral Mass was at 10 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Billings. Burial followed the service in St. Joseph Cemetery, Billings. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Family and friends may share online condolences at www.meadorsfuner- alhome.com.