Joe E. Worthington, 84, died Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 2 p.m. at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
He was born on April 14, 1930 in Alger to Edward J. and Anna Margaret (Campbell) Worthington, who preceded him in death. On August 24, 1950 he married Doris Hoyt and she died on August 11, 1989.
Joe retired in 1989 after 34 years at the Ford Engine Plant, where he was a process engineer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Alger, and past Commander of the American Legion Post #185 of Ada. He was a member of the Ada Lions Club and a member of the Ada Park Board for over 25 years. He was a member of the B.P.O.E. Post #157 of Kenton. Joe was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1951-1953 during the Korean War.
Joe was raised in Ada Masonic Lodge on June 17, 1966. He was Worshipful Master in 1977 and a Past High Priest in the Ada Chapter. He was a member of the Order of High Priesthood. Joe was Past Illustrious Master, Kenton Council No. 65 and a member of Council of Anointed Kings, Order of the Silver Trowel. He was Past Commander, Kenton Commandery. He was a member of Findlay Commandery Knights Templar and of Ohio Priory Knight York Grand Cross of Honour.
He was Past Sovereign Master of Hi-Point Council No. 120 Allied Masonic Degrees. He was a Knight Commander of Red Branch of Eri. Joe was Past Puissant Sovereign of St. Thomas Conclave Red Cross of Constantine and a member of Prince of Peace Tabernacle Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest. He was Past Very Eminent Preceptor Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest and a member of Royal Order of Scotland. He was Past Grand Tall Cedar Ohio Northern Forest Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
He was an Illustrious 33° of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo. He was Past Chapter Advisor of Ada Chapter Order of DeMolay and Past Assistant Governor of 16th District Order of DeMolay. He was Honorary Legion of Honor Order of DeMolay and Emeritus Member of International Order of DeMolay Gold Collar. Joe was a member of Ada Chapter Order of Eastern Stars, member of Kenton Chapter Order of Eastern Stars, and member of Latham Lodge Free & Accepted Masons. He was a dual Member of Findlay Lodge Free & Accepted Masons and Past High Priest of Ada Chapter Royal Arch Masons. Joe was a member of Findlay Chapter Royal Arch Masons and Past District Deputy Grand High Priest of 7th Capitulars District. He was Past Grand High Priest Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio and a member of Blackstone York Rite College. He was also an Associate Regent of York Rite Sovereign College of North America, Order of the Purple Cross.
Surviving are a son, Wayne (Denise) Worthington of Maumee; two daughters, Cheryl (Tom) Barthlow of Plain City and Penny (Dr. David) Perkins of Atlanta, Ga.; 6 grandchildren, Andrea Marie Perkins, Scot Hampton Perkins, Bethany Worthington, Holly Worthington, Brian Worthington, and Bradly Worthington; 4 great grandchildren, Halle, Ella, Lilly, and Brody; three brothers, Bailey (Opal) Worthington of Waynesfield, Titus Worthington of Columbus, and Roger Worthington of Kenton; and a sister, Clara (Donald) Klutts of Clearwater, Fla.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Lewis Campbell and Donald Worthington.
A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada with Rev. Duane Kemerley officiating. Burial will take place at Preston Cemetery, Alger. A graveside military service will be held by the Ada VFW Post #9381.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Ada First United Methodist Church Building Fund.
