Joseph Davis Metcalfe

METCALFE -- Joseph Davis, considered the father of Tulsa's award-winning floodplain and stormwater management program, died at his home on Tuesday, May 23, 2006. As a retired Professional Engineer, Metcalfe served as the City's elected Street Commissioner, between 1984 and 1990. Metcalfe came into office only 19 days before the city's most disastrous flood on Memorial Day of 1984. Before that time, Tulsa County had been ranked America's most flooded community, with 9 federally declared flood disasters in 15 years. In 1992, his work with the stormwater program, now ranked number one in the nation, earned him a National Outstanding Public Service Award from FEMA. A native of Texas, Metcalfe was a proud graduate and loyal supporter of Texas A & M University and a registered Professional Engineer in Oklahoma and Texas. He served in Europe during World War II as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and received the Bronze Star. He served as President of Tulsa's Standard Industries from 1967 until his retirement in 1980. Metcalfe served on many civic boards and volunteered for numerous organizations. Metcalfe is survived by: his beloved wife, Dr. June Hughes-Metcalfe, a retired school principal and her family, daughter Kathy Hughes Beijer of England and son, Bill Hughes and wife, Cherie, grandsons, Alex and Robert Hughes, granddaughter, Christine Malkemus, husband, Frank and children, Lydia and Nicholas. Metcalfe is also survived by: his daughter, Marilyn Inhofe-Tucker and husband, Ralph, a grandson, Bryan Inhofe and family, who live in Argentina and granddaughter, Anna Inhofe; a son, Barney Metcalfe and wife, Rebecca, grandchildren, Justin, Tyler and Morgan Metcalfe. His oldest son, Joseph Davis, Jr., recently predeceased him in April, 2006. A true gentleman, his quiet dignity will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Memorial service will be this 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 2, 2006, at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or to the Boston Avenue United Methodist Memorial Fund.