Joseph Oriel McMahan

Joseph (Joe) Oriel McMahan

February 24, 1936 - January 29, 2012

It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to our wonderful loving dad and grandpa, Joe, who passed away unexpectedly. Joe was born and raised in Manchester, Tennessee, then joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18. He was assigned to 6913th RSM and sent along with his bride, Etoy, to Bremerhaven, Germany, where the first two of his five children were born. After serving four years, Joe was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. After returning to the States, Joe and his family lived in Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, then settled in Lomita, CA in 1962. Joe was a master machinist with 40 years of experience. He finished up his career as a Catia programmer with McDonnell Douglas then Cessna. Joe was considered an amateur astronomer. He loved sharing his vast knowledge of our solar system. He also had a keen interest in mathematics and all periods of history. Never losing his thirst for learning, Joe could often be found at any one of our local libraries. He was a very smart and educated man. He loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs. Joe enjoyed watching college football and attending his grandchildren's sports games. Most of all, Joe loved being with his family. We will miss him dearly but his love and wisdom will be with us always. Joe leaves behind his ex-spouse, Etoy, who remained his lifelong friend; five children, Linda, Johnny (Annelle), Joey III, Danny, Rhonda (Rahim); five grandchildren, Joey McMahan IV, Matthew McMahan, Dana McMahan, Heidi McMahan, Ian Chandler; three great-grandchildren, Joey McMahan V, Trevor McMahan, Chance McMahan; half-sister, Pam; and half-brother, Terry. A memorial service will be held at Halverson, Stone and Myers Mortuary in Torrance on Friday, February 10 at 12:00 p.m. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.