Joseph “Joe” Elmer Estep, 49, of DeGraff, died Thursday, January 25, 2024, at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University in Columbus following an extended battle with cancer.
Joe was born in Bellefontaine, OH, on May 16, 1974, a son of Elzie and Faye (Massengale) Estep. On April 26, 2002, he married the former Amy Kerns, and she survives in DeGraff, along with their two daughters, Rozlynn Nicole, and Allison Josephine.
Other survivors include: his mother, Faye Estep of Russells Point, sister; Linda (Dave) Westrick of Holgate, four brothers; Mike Estep (USMC) of Kansas City, MO, JD (Kim) Estep of Hamilton, Clyde (Vone) Estep of Powell, Ray Ray Estep (USMC) of Ridgeway, and several nieces and nephews. Joe leaves behind a huge Marine Corps family and many special friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Elzie Estep, and brother, Wendell Estep (USAF).
Joe graduated from Indian Lake High School in 1992. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served from 1992 until 2014, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. While in the Marines, Joe earned many decorations, including: Meritorious Service Medal 2nd award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device 4th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 2nd award, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award 2nd award, Navy Unit Commendation 3rd award, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal 7th award, National Defense Medal 2nd award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 star, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 5th award, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan.
After his retirement from the Corps, Joe was employed at MPW Industrial Services in various roles.
Joe deeply enjoyed cooking for his girls, and always talked about movies – old and new. He loved listening to music; the last song he listened to was Midnight Rider by the Allman Brothers. Whenever possible, he wanted to be doing something outside, particularly fishing or spending time with others story-telling (usually spreading it on pretty thick), especially about his time spent and places visited in the Marine Corps. If he could not be outside, he liked to game online with his friends, play Euchre, and is well-known for the quantity and range of food he would eat.
He was an avid sports fan; passionate about the Steelers, Buckeyes, and Reds.
Whether it be family, Marines, friends or co-workers, Joe always made sure he supported those around him.
The Family will receive friends on Friday, February 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. at the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes Street in DeGraff. Pastor Michael Mitchell will officiate a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 3, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff, Ohio with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marines Toys For Tots Foundation or Tunnels to Towers.
Semper Fidelis, Marine!
DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, DEGRAFF is honored to serve the Estep family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
