Joseph E. Killian

Joseph E. Killian, 82, of Blandon, passed away May 2, 2014 in Keystone Villa at Fleetwood.

He was the husband of Nancy L. (Bond) Killian, whom he married 59 years ago on June 11, 1955.

Born July 3, 1931 in West Reading, he was a son of the late Harry M. and Bessie M. (Feeg) Killian.

He was a 1949 graduate of West Reading High School and attended Penn State University.

Joe worked for People's Trust, City Bank, Reading Trust, and New Home Savings and Loan. After his military service he worked for Carpenter Technology for over 20 years, retiring as a senior buyer in 1992.

He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, West Reading, where he also served as a member of church council for seven years.

Joe was a U.S. military veteran. He enlisted into the Naval Reserves in 1949 and upon his discharge he enlisted into the Army from 1950 to 1953, serving during the Korean War. In 1953 he entered into the Army Reserves and served until 1966. After that time he was on active duty for five and a half years and served two tours in Vietnam and one tour in Europe, with his family. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star for his efforts in the Vietnam War. In 1972 he joined the National Guard and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1978. He also served as the past vice president and treasurer of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Berks County Chapter.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his three children: Mark A., husband of Tracy Killian, Lancaster; Joanne L., wife of Michael Ezell, Akron; and Karin L., wife of Russell Sherman, Jr., Blandon. Also surviving are his brothers: John F. Killian, Elizabethtown, and Rev. Dr. James A. Killian, Reading. Five grandchildren: Julie Killian, Jason Killian, Joshua Killian, Russell Sherman, III, and Joseph Sherman also survive him.

Services will be Monday, May 5, 2014 at 6 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private in Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 336 Franklin St, West Reading, PA 19611. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.