Joseph Alden Zahniser

Born November 29, 1917 in Erie, Pennsylvania, Joseph died on Monday, September 26, 2016 in Perry, Georgia. Son of William Vern Zahniser and Margaret Downs. Husband of Jean Alexander, who passed away in 2006. The youngest of eight children, Joseph is survived by his sister-in-law, Lu Zahniser, of Boca Raton, Florida, by his three children and their families: Carol and Stuart Beardsley of Warner Robins, Georgia; David and Betsy Zahniser of Wellesley, Massachusetts; and Donna and Mark MacGowan of Arvada, Colorado, grandchildren Russell and Megan Zahniser, Michael Zahniser and Christina Tinglof, Anne and Robert Umberger, Matthew and Nicole Beardsley, Rebecca Beardsley, and three great grandchildren Cash Beardsley, Ezra Beardsley, and James Zahniser. All feel blessed to have had such a loving father and grandfather in their lives.

Joe and Jean met at Edinboro College, in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. After graduating, Joe taught school for a year, then went to California to follow a dream of working with the fledgling airline industry. He trained, and began work in 1941 with United Airlines in flight operations. Jean packed her belongings into a trunk and took a train to join him in Seattle, where they were married. Over their years together, Joe's work for United Airlines took their family to New York, Downers Grove, Illinois, and Fairfax, Virginia.

After retirement, Joe and Jean moved to Warner Robins, Georgia to live with their daughter Carol's family. Joe was an honored member of Houston Lake Presbyterian Church, where he was lovingly called "Mr. Joe." His kindness, generosity and genuine interest in the welfare of others touched young and old alike. A few months ago, inviting Joe to talk about personal concerns he had, a hospice chaplain asked him, "What is the most important thing to you today?" Joe's answer, strong and clear, revealed his heart. "There are so many people who do not know God and they need to know they can trust Jesus." For many years, Joe was a dedicated volunteer at the Fairfax County Jail, and kept in touch with inmates by mail. In Houston County, he served young people as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088

Service:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088