Stinson, Joseph S.

BLUEFIELD, Va. — Joseph S. Stinson passed away on April 24, 2009, one day shy of 94 years old. He was born in Bluefield on April 25, 1915, and spent most of his life in the area. After graduation from Princeton High School in 1934, he attended West Virginia University for one year before operating a small business in Princeton for a few years. He then worked for the Virginian Railroad until entering the Army in 1943. He served in England and France during World War II as a captain with 306th bombardment group until the end of the war. After the war, Joe worked for Appalachian Power Company until his retirement. He then worked with the architectural firm of E.T. Boggess designing HVAC and electrical systems. Joe was a member of the First Methodist Church of Bluefield, Va. He was also a lifetime member of the Bluefield, Va. Kiwanis Club as well as the Princeton Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas S. Stinson and Willie R. Stinson; his brother, Alton M. Stinson; his sisters, Glenna S. Belcher and Ocie M. Bailey. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Lorraine R. Stinson of Bluefield, Va.; their son, Pat R. Stinson and his wife Debra of Princeton; his granddaughters, Mary E. Stinson and Coleen Martinez and her husband Oscar and their children, Josh and Will. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley with the Rev. Ray Amos officiating. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to a charity of choice. Those attending the graveside service are asked to meet at Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton by 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seaverfuneralservice.com. Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is serving the Stinson family.
Published in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph on 4/27/2009