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BORN
1937
DIED
2025
Joseph Scanlin Obituary
May 10, 1937 - January 5, 2025
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Scanlin, Sr. USAR.
LTC. Joseph E. Scanlin, Sr. (Retired), age 87, of Roanoke, VA passed away on January 5, 2025. He was the husband of the late Susanne (Nitzsche) Scanlin who passed on December 27, 2022. They were married for 53 years. He is survived by his children; LTC Joseph Sepp Scanlin (USAR Retired) and his wife Amy of Williamsburg, VA and Stephanie Earhart and her husband Josh of Smyrna, GA. Joe was also predeceased by his parents James and Mary Scanlin of Ardmore, PA and his brothers; Jim, Jack and Tom.
Joe was a 1954 graduate of West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, where he and his sculling partner were the 1954 Double Sculling Rowing National Champions in Philadelphia. He was also a 1958 graduate of LaSalle College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He was then commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Field Artillery.
Joe made a 20 year career of the Army with various assignments in the US, Korea, Thailand, Heidelberg Germany where he met his wife Sue and married in 1969. He also served in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) between 1964-1965 and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. In 1972, Joe was assigned as the last Commander to the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station in Roanoke, VA. Joe's final assignment in 1978 was to retire as a Lieutenant Colonel from Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
After retiring from the Army, Joe returned to Roanoke with his family. He was a lifelong member of the Roanoke Elks Club, Veteran of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.
Joe may have emptied his last canteen at "Fiddlers Green", but he will always be remembered as a good husband, wonderful dad, a special uncle and a Great Soldier.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday January 25, 2025 at St. Coleman Church 11 Simpson Rd. Ardmore, PA , where the viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery where he'll rest with his fellow veterans.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Cave Spring Volunteers Rescue Squad (www.csrescue.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Scanlin
5 Entries
Jean Warren
January 25, 2025
I knew Joe through his wife, Sue, a cherished friend for 24 years. I visited Sue and Joe when they were in assistant living and continued seeing Joe after Sue passed away. Each visit was filled with entertaining stories of the military, adventures on the rowing team, and days of his youth. Sometimes I'd take him out to lunch (which he LOVED) and he was always a member of the Clean Plate Club. I remember Joe for his ability to accept the changes of his life, his pleasant demeanor, and his outpouring love for his children, Sepp and Stephanie.
Pamela K Brooks
January 24, 2025
I had the priviledge to know and serve the Scanlin Family while working at their local dental office in Roanoke. They were a delightful family to get to know through the many years of my tenure. I hold many fond memories of Joe, Sue and Stephanie. Sepp was serving in the military and I heard lots of stories about his illustrious career. I will always treasure our friendships. I want to offer my heartfelt sympathy to their families and friends. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Kingery
January 21, 2025
So sorry to hear of Joe´s passing. He was always a gentleman and a great all-around good guy. RIP
Charlie and Kathy Hatcher
January 20, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Always enjoyed Saturday afternoons at the ELKS with him. May your fond memories bring you comfort in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeff and Doris Thomas
January 20, 2025
Jeff and I are saddened to learn of Colonel Joe´s passing. What an interesting and intelligent man he was. He will be missed in our lives! Rest easy Colonel Joe.
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