Joseph Menley

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- The Book of Life closed for Joseph Menley, 90, of Chaffee Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 14, 1920, in Zadock, Mo., to Henry and Nicy Menley.

Menley was a retired cement mason and spent 30 years working for various contractors in Southeast Missouri building roads, bridges, and buildings in the area. He was proud to receive his gold 30-year pin upon retirement.

Besides loving his work, he also enjoyed the outdoors and gardening. His favorite pastime was playing his guitar and singing the songs that he had learned as a young man.

He and Freda Patton were married Nov. 26, 1945, in Piggott, Ark. She preceded him in death May 11, 2005. After living on a farm outside of Bloomfield, Mo., they moved to Chaffee in 1949 where they remained and raised their family.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Alvin, Joel, Olan and Roy.

Survivors include two daughters, Jo Nell Schaefer (David), Brenda Thiele (Danny); two grandchildren, Kyla Evans and Alana Franks; and two great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Carson Evans.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, with service at 11 a.m., at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. The Rev. Donny Ford will officiate. Graveside service will be at Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.