MOHAWK - Joseph William Davis, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Dec. 5, 2010, in Folts Homes, Herkimer. He had the comfort of his wife and family at his side. He was born on Aug. 23, 1926, in Mohawk, son of the late William and Frances Gundy Markwardt. A lifelong Mohawk resident, he graduated from Mohawk High School with the class of 1944. Upon graduation from high school, he answered the call of his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. He served in Central Europe, Rhineland and Northern France. He was the recipient of the Army Occupation Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946, attaining the rank of sergeant. Mr. Davis was first married to Elizabeth Frechette, who predeceased him in June 1973. On July 22, 1978, he was united in marriage with the former Barbara Gorney in Herkimer. They have made their home in Mohawk since that time. Joe first worked for the Hubbard Heel Company in Herkimer until its closing. He then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service, working in the maintenance department in both Herkimer and Utica. He retired in 1987 after twenty-six years of dedicated and loyal service. Mr. Davis was a member of Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post No. 25, Mohawk, and Michael S. Pliseck Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1459, Herkimer. Joe had a strong love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper. To all who knew him, they will never forget a warm, caring man who was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his cherished eleven grandchildren and four great-grandsons. He will be sorely missed. Surviving are his loving wife of thirty-two years, Barbara; four sons, Thomas Davis and his wife, Patti, of Smithland, Ky., Bruce Davis with Tracy Richard, of Lake Oswego, Ore., Gary Davis and his wife, Kimberly, of Herkimer, and Gary Gorney and his wife, Karen, of Minot, ND; two brothers, Albert Young and his wife, Nancy, and Donald Young, all of Ilion; one sister, Elsie Gay and her husband, Edward, of Mohawk; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandsons; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and first wife, Elizabeth, he was preceded in death by one brother, Francis Davis, and two sisters, Mabel Ferguson and Melissa Pierce. Funeral service will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. The Reverend Paul Bailey, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Members of Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post No. 1459 are asked to meet at the funeral home at 7 p.m. for services. Members of Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post No. 25 are asked to meet at the funeral home at 7:15 p.m. for services. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Alzheimer Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.