Ralph Joseph Deceuster

Ralph Joseph “Joe” Deceuster 81, of 196 North Star Drive, Dover, Ohio died Sunday, May 9, 2004 in his home following a brief illness.

Joe retired from the Chicago office of Abex where he was the manager of sales and service and had also previously been service engineer. He had also previously worked as a machinist for the Wheeling Lake Erie Railroad for eighteen years.

Born September 23, 1922 in Herrick, Ohio, he was the son of the late Desire Joseph and Marie Arnold Deceuster.

He was the first Eagle Scout in Brewster over 65 years ago and was proud that he has had six grandsons receive their Eagle Scout awards. Joe graduated from Brewster High School Class of 1939. He joined the US Marine Corp. Air Squadron VMB413 and was a Bombardier Navigator and gunman during World War II. His flight crew were known as “The Flying Nightmares” often mentioned on radio broadcasts by the infamous Tokyo Rose. He served in 44 combat missions and was awarded seven medals beside the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was shot down twice. He was a member of the Brewster American Legion Post, Tuscarawas County Marine Group, and the First United Methodist Church in Dover. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and York Shriners in Hammond, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Laner Deceuster with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage on March 1. He is also survived by one daughter Connie (Dr. James) Karlowicz of Dover; two sons Kenneth (Maureen) Deceuster of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Joel S. (Madelyn) Deceuster of San Jose, California; two sisters, Grace (Fred) Rhodes of Dellroy and Vivian McDonald of Brewster; a brother, John (Julia) DeCeuster of Brewster along with nine grandchildren including Jason Karlowicz of Dover and one great grandson.

A funeral service celebrating Joe�(TM)s life will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 11am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover with Rev. Glen Shedlock officiating. A military graveside service will be held Wednesday at 2:30 pm in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at Rittman. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-8 pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Joe may sign the online register book by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, Ohio 44622

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com