Joseph E Usher

Joseph Edward Usher, age 95, of Punta Gorda, FL., formerly of Middlefield, OH, passed away on September 14, 2026.

Joseph E. “Joe” Usher was born June 12, 1931, in Geneva, Ohio, to Carl F. and Marjorie Usher. A graduate of Middlefield High School, Joe lived a life marked by service to his country, dedication to his community, love of family and a wonderful ability to make those around him smile.

Joe proudly served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1952 in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was a life member of VFW Post 9678 in Middlefield.

Without the benefit of a college education, Joe built an extraordinary career through hands-on experience, on-the-job training, hard work and an eagerness to learn. He went on to serve the Village of Middlefield for 34 years as Superintendent of Services, overseeing its water and wastewater systems, streets, parks and other essential services. His responsibilities were extensive, and his involvement often extended well beyond the requirements of his job. He mentored those who followed throughout the years, as a resource of information as recent as 2 weeks ago!

Joe’s knowledge and dedication earned him respect throughout his community and beyond. He was a life member of the American Water Works Association, a member of the Water Environment Federation, and a longtime member of the Geauga County Board of Health, where he also held a leadership role. He served on the Ohio Water Advisory Council for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and as chairman of the Northeast Section of the Ohio American Water Works Association. He also helped organize the Ohio Association of Boards of Health and held leadership roles with the Northern Ohio Water and Waste Exposition.

Before beginning that chapter of his life, Joe worked painting houses alongside his father and brother David, including painting the NC Governor’s mansion. As fate would have it, the Bowman family lived next door, and it was there that Joe met Mamie Lea “Jackie” Bowman. Joe and Jackie married on December 5, 1951, in Greensboro, North Carolina. They shared 44 years of marriage before Jackie’s passing on May 12, 1996, and together had one daughter, Sharon Patrice Legg. They were well-known in the Amish community, as they taxi’d them on cross country adventures including CA, in addition to local shopping trips. Joe made lifelong friends that he loved dearly.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Joe enjoyed collecting Rockwell plates, model cars and pickup trucks. He was an avid self-taught, successful stock investor. He loved telling stories from his life—including one his family remembers about forgetting to duck his head while riding a horse out of a barn. He enjoyed traveling across the United States, spending winters in Punta Gorda, Florida, resulting in relocating there for the last 16 years. Perhaps most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with the people he loved.

Later in life, Joe was blessed with a beautiful second chapter. He married Elizabeth B. Heil on March 24, 2007. After both had experienced the loss of their spouses, Joe and Elizabeth found deep love, laughter and companionship in one another and shared 20 wonderful years together. Joe wholeheartedly embraced the family that came into his life through their marriage, and that family wholeheartedly embraced him in return.

Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Mamie Lea “Jackie” Usher; his parents, Carl F. and Marjorie Usher; his sister, Laura McConnell; his brothers, Chauncey and David Usher, his son-in-law, Terry Legg; and his niece, Cheri Arnoldson.

Joe was the beloved husband of Elizabeth B. Heil (nee Galambos); loving father of Sharon (late Terry) Legg; dearest stepfather of Susan (Chuck) St. John, Sharyn Heil, and Peggy (Jim) Fakult; dear grandfather of Brett (Vanessa) St. John, Chelsea (Dan) Koeller, Halle St. John, Brooke (Justin) Jividen, Megan (Anthony) Giordano, Sierra (Brad) Labate, James Fakult, Luke Fakult, Rachel Fakult, Sarah Fakult, and Matthew Fakult; great grandfather of Lyla Jividen, Sadie Jividen, Adeline Koeller, Bishop Koeller, Eliza Koeller, and Hazel Jividen; uncle of Karen (Bob) Barker, Mark (Cheryl) McConnell, Billy (Susie) Usher, Anita (Kurt) Ressler, and Randy (Bernice) Usher.

Above all, Joe will be remembered for the person he was: kind, generous, welcoming and full of life. His infectious smile, striking blue eyes, peaceful demeanor, fun-loving mischievous spirit and wonderful sense of humor made an impression on everyone around him. He loved a good story, treasured his family and friendships, and had a genuine interest in the lives and well-being of others.

Even through the immense challenges of his final year, Joe remained brave and grateful, rarely complaining and consistently expressing his appreciation for the medical professionals and caregivers who cared for him. His gratitude to Jesus as his Lord and Savior and his belief in eternal life in Heaven brought him comfort and peace.

Friends and family are welcome to St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Sunday, September 20 from 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. with a Funeral Service at the funeral home on Monday, September 21 at 11:00 A.M. Interment to follow at Middlefield Cemetery, Middlefield, OH.

The family would like to thank Holy Family Hospice in Parma for their loving, compassionate expertise in caring for Joe for the last two days of his life. We feel confident that God lead us there.

In the Words of His Family

Susan:

“I truly feel that God brought my Mom & Joseph together after losing their spouses — so they could have 20 wonderful years together later in life. My Mom was smitten when she saw his beautiful smile & blue eyes.”

Sharyn:

“Joe was a person of integrity that didn’t compromise his morals. Being trustworthy was highly valued. Very helpful and generous. Friendly and oh how those eyes and smile made everyone feel special, important and loved! Brave and never complained through the immense challenge this past year. Always thanked and verbalized his appreciation for all of the medical staff and caregivers. He recently said, ‘Ya know? People don’t say “God bless you” anymore and they should!’ He remembered being given a small card as a child that had ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ on it and felt it was so important that he requested it be made for his funeral prayer card. He was so grateful to Jesus for being his Lord and Savior and for giving him eternal life in Heaven!”

Jim & Peg:

“Joe is the epitome of patience & kindness with an uplifting sense of humor, a warm smile.”

Brett:

“Grampa Joe was kind & welcoming to everyone he encountered, genuinely interested in their lives & well-being. He was a proud United States Army veteran, a man of faith, & above all else, cared deeply for his wife of 20 years, Elizabeth.”

Halle:

“With an infectious smile, a fun-loving spirit, & a sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around him, my Grandpa Joe was my Grandma’s angel—the love who brought light back into her life after the loss of her 1st love.”

Megan:

“When I think of Grandpa Joe, I think of his warm smile, calm demeanor, and the joy he expresses when speaking with you.”

Sierra:

“I’ll always be grateful I had Grandpa Joe in my life—for his wonderful sense of humor, countless stories he shared about his life, & special memories we made — especially going to Working Cow Ice Cream for his favorite black cherry ice cream.”

Sarah:

“Grandpa Joe was always smiling. With his peaceful demeanor, he brought love and joy into the lives of all his grandchildren, and he was the best grandpa you could ever hope for.”

Joe’s life was one of service, faith, laughter and love. He leaves behind a family made larger not simply by blood, but by the love with which he welcomed others into his life. His stories, his humor, his kindness, those unforgettable blue eyes and, most of all, that smile will live on in the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Rachel:

Joe Usher was the type of man who could look any situation straight on with a smile on his face. There was nothing that could keep his positive attitude down.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gordon Robertson 700 Club at CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network)

https://cbn.com/700club

https://cbn.com/700club