The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Longtime Cathlamet resident, Joseph W. Vanderwood, 85, passed away July 28, 2011. He was born June 16, 1926 in Puyallup to Joseph and Pearl (Wardle) Vanderwood. Joe graduated high school and joined the Navy, serving during both WWII and Korean Wars. He married Mary Camacho on August 13, 1950; she preceded him in death March 23, 2011.

He was a proud member of VFW Post 5297 and attended Heritage Bible Church on Puget Island.

While living in California, Joe worked as a machinist for Wymore Machine, Inc., working on NASA space projects, Gemini, Mercury, Apollo and B1 Bomber for the U.S. Government. After Joe and Mary moved to Cathlamet in 1974, he worked as a millwright and maintenance planner at Wauna Mill for 12 years.

Joe was very patriotic and had unwavering principles. He was the go to “fix it man” and an attentive, loving husband, dad and grandpa.

He is survived by his daughters, Shirley Yoakum, Theresa Runkle (Steve), Patty Anderson (Scott) and Janna Doumit (Steve); a foster son, Jose Valencia; a sister, Alice Webb; 17 grandchildren, 12 ½ great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Mary he is preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Baker.

A Celebration of Life Service was held August 1, 2011 with Navy Honors. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe Vanderwood’s name to Community Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632 or The Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C., 20090-6231.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.