Joseph Willard Kassell

Joseph Willard Kassell, age 58 of Boones Mill and formerly of Akron, Ohio passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2016. Joe was a retired U.S. Navy Veteran, Hospital Corpsman, served in Dessert Storm with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was also a life member of VFW Post #6426, Elsmere, Kentucky, Life member of AMVETS Post 40 in Roanoke, Virginia and he was a member of the Rocky Mount Moose Lodge # 1053. Joe was a people person, one that would go out of his way to help a stranger, always giving and loved to have fun. He was an avid bowler and huge fan of the Cleveland Indians, making it to the World Series this year for Joe. Joe was born on December 13, 1957 a son of the late Joe W., Sr. and Helen Minks Kassell, and also preceded in death by his sister, Alice Minks Carnes. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Kassell; daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Mickey Phillips; grandchildren, Cody Garrett Piacitelli, Mickey (Chandon) Phillips, Holden and Bryce Phillips; brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery and Kathy Kassell; one niece, Jillian Kassell; many other relatives and friends also survive. The family would like to express a very special thanks to Jon Snead and C. J. Dickerson for their love and support. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to AMVETS National Service Foundation, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706. A memorial service celebrating his life will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2016 from Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with John Collins, Pastor Rocky Mount Church of the Brethren officiating. A private burial with military honors will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, (Route 220 at Wirtz Road), Rocky Mount.