Master Sgt. Joe Ebarb

Master Sgt. Joe Ebarb 83, of Johnson City, Tenn. passed away Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center following an extended illness. He was a son of the late Ira and Eva Sepulvado Ebarb, and was born Dec.  20, 1930 in Ebarb, and had resided in Johnson City since 1968. He retired from the military after 20 years of service, having been a veteran of both  the Korean and Vietnam War, earning Korean service medal with three bronze stars, Army of Occupation (Japan) medal, National Defense service medal, and United Nations service medal. He retired from Eastman Chemical Company  in 1991 after more than 23 years of service. Mr. Ebarb attended First Freewill Baptist Church, where he and his wife were married in 1955. Joe enjoyed working in his garden and visiting with friends. Joe was a loving husband, parent, and grandparent who loved and cherished his family. In addition to his parents Mr. Ebarb was preceded in death by a sister, Gatherine Smith; and infant son Stephen Ebarb. Survivors include his wife of 59 years of marriage, Lola Taylor Ebarb; one son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Ebarb and wife, Sandra Erwin; brothers, Earl Ebarb, Ira Ebarb, Jr., and Silas Ebarb, all of Ebarb; sisters, Alda Jerles of Humble, Texas, Jeanine Spiegel  of Hayesville, Kan.; two grandchildren, Aaron Ebarb and wife, Amber, of Bluff City, Tenn., Whitney Miller and husband, Tyler, of Louisville, Ky.; one great grandson, James Lewis Miller. Several  nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral services for Mr. Ebarb were conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15,   from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with the Rev. Tyler Miller, the Rev. Tommy Maines, and the Rev. Tony Trott officiating. The graveside service and interment were conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday from Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers were selected from family and friends. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.appfh.net.  Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services