JOSEPH A. CARGAL
Johnston City-Joseph A. Cargal 85, left this life on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 2:26 A.M. at Parkway Manor in Marion. Joe suffered a fall in April of this year, and after 5 months of a declining condition, God called him home. Joe was born in Johnston City on May 13, 1929 to Agnes (Smith)) and James Cargal. He attended school in Johnston City, and at the young age of 15, began working for the United States Postal Service. While still attending school, he began carrying mail during the day and making special deliveries in the evening. After graduating from JCHS in 1947, he attended SIU. On February 14, 1949, he married the love of his life, Dorla Dean Becker. Together, they shared more than 57 years of marriage until her death on November 5, 2006. Joe was in the Army, proudly serving his country, during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Army in November of 1954, he continued his career with the Postal Service. He worked as a mail carrier for 25 years. In 1970, he was assigned the position as Assistant Post Master, and in 1973 he became Post Master of the Johnston City Post Office. He served as Post Master until his retirement in 1985. His postal career spanned 40 years.

Joe is survived by his daughter Cathy Tolbert and husband Ron of Johnston City, and son Jim Cargal and wife Linda of Johnston City; granddaughters Shanna O'Bright of Jackson, TN, Erin Beth Long of Johnston City, Tasha Tolbert of Fort Collins, CO, Holly Lewis and husband Corey of Johnston City, and his one and only grandson Adam Cargal and wife Misty of Johnston City; great grandchildren, Cameron James Long, Brennan James Cargal, Bryson Joseph Long, Reese Taylor Cargal, Karsyn Grace Lewis, and expected sixth great grandchild, due in March.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and numerous brothers and sisters.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, October 4, from 5:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Becker Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the Marion V.F.W., American Legion and Illinois Army National Guard.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or Wounded Warrior Project. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

All who knew Joe would agree he was an amazing man. He never met a stranger, and made friends wherever he went. He would have given the shirt off his back and never thought twice about it. He loved his family dearly, and nothing brought him more joy than a hug from his grandkids. He was loved by so many, because of the love and care he gave to so many. He touched so many lives and will be sorely missed but will forever live on in our hearts. This world has lost a dear man, but heaven has gained a precious jewel.