He served in World War II, in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Right after the end of the war, he served as a guard of prisoners and as an interpreter. When Joseph returned home he made a living farming cattle and trees.
He was a well-liked man with many friends. One of them was his close friend, Pat Slusher of Centralia. One of his favorite memories was winning the State basketball tournament in 1936, while he attended Willapa Valley High School.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Centralia, family Kathy and Jack Benoun of Frances, Larry and Mary Jane Doubek of Raymond, sister-in-law Martha Drazil of Longview, stepsons Garrett Allen and Ellie of Morton and Jerry Allen and Loretta of Clyde, Texas, step grandchildren David and Kayla Allen of Morton, Jeremy and Jennifer of Cheyenne, Wyoming, step great grandchildren Addie and Caleb of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Troy and Lawrie of Morton, and Cheyenne of Topock, Arizona, cousins Delores Hughes of Nevada, Bob and Lisa Doubek of Raymond and Joann and Harry Kapeikis of British Columbia.
A cousin, Kenneth Doubek, two brothers, Frank and Walter Drazil, and a sister, Lillie Drazil, preceded him in death. A step grandson Stephen also preceded him in death, along with his late wife, Anna, who passed in 1996.
At Joe’s request, there will be no memorial services at this time.
Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond.