Joseph Arnold Storey

Joseph Arnold Storey, 94, of Garfield, Ark., passed away May 6, 2015, at Legacy Circle of Life Hospice Home in Bentonville. He was born Oct. 3, 1920, in Chariton, Iowa, to Joseph and Eula M. Storey. He was a member of the Avoca Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include son, Robert Storey and wife Sue; daughter, Linda Meier and husband Dave; and daughter, Suzanne Ellington and husband Ron, all of Rogers. Grandchildren include: Bryce Storey (Jessica), Paige Storey, Tricia Meier, Cheryl Hall Click (Steve), Chris Meier (Jenny), Elizabeth Hall, Rick Ellington (Heather), Laura Ellington Jeffcoat (Mike), Alicia Hopkins Brooks (Steve), Mark Ellington, Natalie Ellington and Megan Ellington McClain (Bryce). He also had 11 great-grandchildren. Joe Storey served in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring as a Major. He began his career in the Army Air Corps in 1939, becoming one of the original flying Sergeants. Serving as a Lieutenant during WWII, he flew a C-47. He flew missions in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He was then stationed in England during the Invasion of Normandy. He told of landing his C-47 above the beaches on a "make-shift" runway made of sheets of metal. He served with the 43th Squadron of the 315th Troop Carrier Group of Army Air Forces. He flew three missions during Operation Market transporting Allied paratroopers into Holland flying in formation with no radar or navigator. Later years he was a command pilot on B-47 Bombers. Upon retirement from the USAF in 1962, he moved with his family to Rogers, Arkansas. Joe Storey had many accomplishments including developing lake properties at Table Rock Lake and Beaver Lake. Vista Shores, east of Garfield, was developed in 1968. On Jan. 3, 1978, he and five neighbors started a volunteer fire department for the Garfield area. Joe Storey was one of the charter members of what was to become NEBCO Fire Department. He helped to build their first station off Hwy 127. Besides building houses, fishing, and enjoying water sports, Joe was an avid hunter. His greatest enjoyment was pheasant hunting with his English Springer Spaniels. A graveside service is planned on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Garfield. Pastor Charlie Newman will officiate the service. Memorials may be sent to GRUB Food Pantry, First Christian Church, 905 S.13th, Rogers, Ark. 72758. Online condolences may be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers.