Joseph Michael DeKold

Age 71, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, due to complications with cancer. He bravely fought cancer for 18 years.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Egler) DeKold. He graduated from the Missouri University of Science and Technology with a degree in electrical engineering, then moved to Ohio to start a career as an Avionics Engineer at Wright-Patterson AFB. He worked there for 33 years as a civil servant and another five years as a contractor. He worked on such projects as the Joint Primary aircraft Training System, the Global Hawk Unmanned Air Vehicle, and the B2 Stealth Bomber.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of the past 37 years, Mary DeKold (Reichert); his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Marcus Moresea, his son, David and his daughter, Leah and two grandsons; and his sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Glenn Meyer.

He was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Vandalia and supported their Respect Life committee. He enjoyed hobbies of picture painting, electronics and, above all, amateur astronomy. As a member of the Stillwater Stargazers astronomy club, he often participated in public stargazes showing visitors the heavenly wonders of the night sky through his telescope. A proponent of astronomy outreach, he helped modify and supported several small telescopes for local libraries in Miami and Clark counties. These telescopes can be checked out by patrons just like you check out books. Associated with this project he wrote a monthly newsletter called “Sky Sights” which helped people locate various objects in the sky each month. He loved visits by his children and loved playing with his two grandsons, Anthony and Aiden, even though they wore him out! 

The family will be receiving friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Monday (12/5) at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 East National Road, Vandalia. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Robert Hale at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, at St. Christopher. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.