Joseph William Twombly Jr

1919 - 2019

BORN

1919

DIED

2019

Joseph Twombly Obituary

GLEN CARBON - Joseph William Twombly Jr., 99, fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, while asleep in his home at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Ill. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 155 N. Main Street in Glen Carbon. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in Joe's name to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul or the charity of one's choice. A reception following mass will be held in the parish hall.

Joe donated his remains to Saint Louis University and Washington University. An open house celebrating his life will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Meridian Village's chapel, 27 Auerbach Place, Glen Carbon.

Joe was born Nov. 8, 1919, in St. Louis. He graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1936 and served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, helping to develop the land within Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. He then joined the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Pacific during World War II. He was the last surviving member of the Navy's "Secret Six," an enemy radar interception team.

He later attended Washington University in St. Louis. After transferring to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he graduated in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Joe worked at McDonnell Douglas for 34 years, retiring in 1985 as director of engineering technology and design. Earlier in his career, he and his team were responsible for the guidance and control system designs for the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft.

After retiring, he volunteered with TEAM (The Emergency Assistance Ministry), a food pantry in north St. Louis County, and the Institute for Peace and Justice. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Louise (Melgard); his parents, Joseph and Anne (Dowling) Twombly; sisters Mary Burrell and Pat Harris; a son-in-law, Ron Wright; a daughter-in-law, Sara Queener-Twombly; and a granddaughter, Nora Blake.

Survivors include Joe's sister, Dorothy Andrews, and eight children: Ann Twombly (Bill Blake) of Arlington, Mass.; Joan Wright of Collinsville, Ill.; James Twombly (Sally Shrout) of Aurora, Colo.; Mary Twombly (Steve Andruss) of Bingen, Wash.; Jane Barnhart of Collinsville, Ill.; Elizabeth Twombly of Collinsville, Ill.; John Twombly (Anne Powell) of Edwardsville, Ill.; and Paul Twombly (Melissa) of Wildwood, Mo. Joe also leaves 21 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two foster children, and numerous nieces and nephews.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Edwardsville Intelligencer from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Twombly

4 Entries

Mike Mohan

January 20, 2019

Jim, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May the promises of our faith bring you consolation.

Beatle Bob

January 15, 2019

I had the distinct pleasure of graduating from Mount Providence School for boys with Joe's son Jim Twombly. Many years later I would run into Joe Twombly many times while attending St Louis University Billiken basketball games. Always had a great time conversing with him and I would call him up from time to time at his home to talk sports. My sincerest condolences to his entire family and friends on the loss of a real gentleman and kindred soul. Sincerely, Beatle Bob

Harold & Carole Adams

January 6, 2019

You have our deepest sympathy on the passing of Joe. He was the sweetest and caring person. He was a neighbor and friend from St. Thomas.

Michael Knapp

January 5, 2019

When I was a kid, my brothers and I , as well as many of our neighborhood friends, for many years, used to play football, baseball, and basketball in the Twombly's back yard. Our families also socialized together, and we attended the same church. Mr. Twombly, and also his wife, Mrs. Twombly, were excellent role models for all of us. I consider myself very lucky for having known them for many years. Mr and Mrs Twombly did a great job of raising their 8 children, all of whom are of the same high character as their parents. If St. Thomas Apostle had a Hall of Fame, they would surely be in it. They might even be able to get into the St Dismas Hall of Fame.

Thank you, Joseph and Louise Twombly!

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