Obituaries 14 August 2024

Joseph David Ferneau

Joseph David Ferneau, 87, of Chillicothe, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024.

He was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Cynthiana, the son of the late Harry Paul and Mary Kathryn (Cameron) Ferneau.

Joe had a strong belief and trust in God. Joe found the Lord early in life and kept his faith all throughout his life.

He came from a patriotic family. Joe and all his brothers served in the United States Navy. During his military service, Joe also served in the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion, Amvets, Eagles, The Forty and Eight and the Ross County Veterans Council. Joe was an advocate for veterans and the Veterans Administration. In April, Joe and his brother Paul went on the Honor Flight to Washington DC. #HFC130. He was overwhelmed by the reception received at the Korean Monument and the Welcome Home Celebration at John Glenn International Airport.

Joe was a retired truck driver and an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing the bounty he produced with anyone and everyone. Joe never met a stranger; he always had a story to tell. “Fair winds and following seas.”

On Friday, Sept. 11, 1964, he married Joyce (Montgomery) Ferneau, who survives. He is also survived by his children Jeffrey David Ferneau of Chillicothe and Jodi (Jeffery) Kritz of South Bloomfield; five grandchildren, Jessica, Joseph and Jaclyn Ferneau and Jayla and Julianne Kritz; three great-grandchildren, Brecken, Cora and Matthew; sister, Ann (Mike) Sloan; brother, John (Sandy) Ferneau; sisters-in-law, Ruth and Marilyn; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by five siblings, Betty Cyre, Jim Waddell, Robert, William and Paul (Mouse) Ferneau.

Following cremation, a celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home, Bainbridge. A brief service will be held at 1 p.m. with a procession to the Twin Township Cemetery, where the US Navy and the Ross County Honor Guard will conclude with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s honor can be made to the Veterans in Transition Inc. “VITI,” 176 Clinton Rd. Apt 6D, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ebrightfuneralhome.com.

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