Rev. Joseph Quay Pearce, 74, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.

Joe was born and raised in the Punxsutawney area by his parents, Joe and Esther Pearce.

After graduating, he earned a Bachelor's Degree from God's Bible School in Cincinnati, OH. Joe returned to Punxsutawney and married the love of his life, Lois Cressley. They married in June of 1966, shortly before he was drafted into the service for his country. Joe answered his Call to the ministry after being discharged from the service, beginning with a small church in Spring Boro, PA. The couple then moved to Kansas City, MO where Joe completed his Masters of Divinity and was ordained at Nazarene Theological Seminary. They then moved to Ohio where Joe spent the rest of his pastoral career. Joe served first in the City of Massillon, OH, then at Rush Community outside of Urichsville, OH, before completing his ministry with 20+ years in Cambridge, OH. During his ministry, they had 3 children, adopted 2 children and foster parented many others. He also served as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve where he attained the rank of Major.

Upon retiring in 2007, Joe and Lois returned to the Punxsutawney area to be closer to their extended families. He loved his family and cherished time spent with them. Joe loved being a pastor and his congregations loved him and his family.

Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lois; 4 children, Valerie (Chris) Powell, Matthew (Amanda) Pearce, John (Katalin) Pearce, and Michael (Brittany) Pearce; 6 grandchildren, Christina Pearce, Kayla Pearce, Kyan Pearce, Payton Pearce, Hailee Pearce, Koby Pearce; 3 brothers, Ed Pearce, Tom (Linda) Pearce and Glen (Deb) Pearce; and 8 siblings-in-law, Norma (Clayton) Riddle, Clara Cressley, Boyd (Nancy) Cressley, Carol Michael, Fred Cressley, Linda Farmery, Jackie (Terry) Temchula, and Pam (Doug) Sprankle; plus too many nieces and nephews to count.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Esther Pearce; his mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Velma Cressley; a son, Timothy Pearce; 4 brothers-in-law, Jim Micheal, Merle "Bub" Cressley, Sherwin Farmery, and Ronald "Gene" Cressley; and 3 sisters-in-law, Kaye Cressley, Pat Cressley, and Diane Pearce.

Friends will be received from 3-8 pm on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the McCabe Funeral Home in Punxsutawney.

Additional viewing will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 10-11 am, time of service, at the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church, with Rev. Bob Donato and Pastor Scott Henry officiating.

Interment will follow at Union Cemeter in Rossiter.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com

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