Donald Joe Stalker, 85, of Venango Twp., Hilliards, Pa. passed away early Friday morning (05-15-15) at VNA In-Patient Hospice in Butler following an illness.

Born in Venango Twp., Butler Co. on Sept. 11, 1929, he was the son of the late Lee D. and Maude Mae Young Stalker, both of whom passed in 1984.

Joe was an honorably discharged veteran of World War II having served with the US Army in Japan. Discharged with the rank of Tech/5, he earned the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal – Japan.

He was a member and past worshipful master of Parker City-Allegheny Valley Lodge #521 F.& A.M. of Parker, and the New Castle Consistory.

Joe was employed in farming all of his life in Venango Twp. In addition to farming, he was a well known carpenter working with an uncle in the Pittsburgh area. He was retired with over twenty five years of service as a heavy construction carpenter with Local Union #2274. He had also been employed with Murphy Coal Co. and Mercer Limestone.

Surviving are his wife, the former Barbara Mueller, whom he married July 9, 1949, and they would have celebrated their 66th anniversary this coming July. Also surviving are two children, Pam (John) Van Ness of Franklin and Ken (Joyce) Stalker of Eau Claire as well as five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by one sister, Luree Kriedler of Indiana state, and five brothers: Jack of Florida, Dale “Duke” of Eau Claire, Merle of Emlenton, Earl of Hilliards, and Richard “Dick” of Butler (all Stalker). Also a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Kerr, and two brothers, Frank and Fred.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Mon., May 18, 2015 at Buzard Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Pa.

A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM Mon., May 18, 2015.

To send condolences online, visit buzardfuneralhomes.com.