Joseph Edgell

Joseph Charles Edgell, 67, formerly of Lancaster, PA died peacefully at his home in Montgomery, TX on December 22, 2013, after a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. Valarie Jean Hall Edgell, his wife of 48 years, was by his side. The son of the late Leo and Emma Edgell, Joe was born on August 10th, 1946. Joe enlisted in the US Marine Corps, August 21 1963. On August 18, 1965, he was seriously wounded while serving with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in "Operation Starlight" in Vietnam. Lance Corporal Edgell was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star medal with a Combat "V" for his "heroic achievement." His military awards also included the Combat Action Ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the 3rd Marine Division for service in Vietnam, Navy Unit Commendation awarded to the 7th Regimental Landing Team for service in Vietnam, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Even through the numerous physical wounds Joe sustained in Vietnam, he refused to allow it to get the best of him and embodied the never stop fighting spirit of the USMC. Though disabled, Joe always felt he should never be given anything without earning it and he realized the value of education and hard work. He attended McCaskey High School and received his degree from LaSalle University.

Joe was a member of Local 520, Plumbers and Pipefitters, Harrisburg, PA. He was employed as a QA/QC Manager at power plant facilities and took great pride in his work. Joe was previously employed by Foster Wheeler, New Jersey, for many years, eventually becoming a part of the Zachry family, San Antonio, TX.

Throughout his life, Joe lived and worked in Kuwait, Germany, Poland and Chile, in addition to many cities across the US.

Joe and Valarie settled in Montgomery, TX eight years ago. Their home was adorned with numerous collections related to the USMC and he proudly displayed a Marine Corps banner in front of his home. Joe was a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Marine Corp League and was recently recognized by the Marine Corps League of Conroe, TX for his heroic actions in Vietnam.

Joe enjoyed his work, playing golf and visiting with friends and family. He also organized toy drives for the USMC Toys for Tots program. Joe enjoyed and appreciated the many friendships he built in Texas and through work. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Joe cherished the relationship he had built with God over the years. Joe's relationship with Him helped see him through his battle with cancer until the Lord called him home.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by sons Joseph W. (Christine), Gregory S. of E-town, PA, John R. (Penne) of Hollidaysburg, PA, Christopher J. (Lindsey)of E-town, PA. "Poppy" will be missed by nine grandchildren: Brielle, Tanner, Caitlyn, Cameron, Angela, Collin, Jesse, Breonna and Brogan. He is also survived by his brothers Leo Jr. of Strasburg, PA, David of Mount Joy, PA, Frank of Lancaster, PA, Donnie of Lebanon, PA and his sister, Arlene, of Venus, TX.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at the April Sound Church, Montgomery, TX at 1 PM on Thursday, January 9th, 2013.

Semper Fi Pop. You're our hero.