Joseph E. “Joe” McCreary, 69, of East Liberty, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at his residence with his loving wife by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and brother, he was a lifelong resident of East Liberty. Joe worked as a truck driver with Storm’s Trucking in Bellefontaine. Having a love for the outdoors, he loved fishing, trips to the apple orchards in the fall, being around tractors and attending the tractor pulls and riding his Harley Davidson. He will also be remembered for his love of cooking for family and friends, his fondness for trying new restaurants and being an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Born July 15, 1954, in Kenton, he was the son of the late James McCreary and Virginia (Forsythe) Stanford. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy McCreary.

On March 21, 1980 at the United Methodist Church in East Liberty, he married his wife of over 43 years, Vera (Pitts) McCreary and she survives in East Liberty. He is also survived by a daughter, Joni (Jon) Joyner of DeKalb, IL; grandchildren, Ronnie and Christopher Banta, Josh, Logan, Shelby and Luke Joyner; a sister, Joyce (Dan) Bushong of West Liberty; brothers, Jeff McCreary and John (Lori) McCreary, both of Marysville; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and his beloved cat, Rusty.

A memorial service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Wilson Funeral Home, Mannasmith Chapel 621 W. Fifth St. Marysville. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. and casual dress is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Universal Hospice, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.