Harry Paul Joy

Harry Paul Joy, 84, longtime Moses Lake resident, moved home Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at Samaritan Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at Kayser's Chapel of Memories. Interment will follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.

Harry was born April 1, 1923, in Thurman, Iowa, son of the late Charles David and Lucy (Perry) Joy. During his growing up years the family lived in several areas of Iowa where they farmed. They moved to West Virginia in the mid 1930s and continued to farm in the Huntington area. Harry served in the U.S. Marines during World War II in the Pacific Theater, including the island of Iwo Jima. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home and began learning the well drilling business with his brothers. He met and was married to Marie Dennis on Sept. 5, 1946, in Pennsylvania. They moved to Moses Lake in 1953 where Harry worked for OK Tires for several years. He then returned to the well drilling business, working with his brothers for Freer Drilling. They eventually took over the business and continued operating as Joy Drilling. In the mid 1970s Harry began working with his son-in-law at Ken Thompson Drilling, only retiring a few months after the passing of his wife in April of 1999.

Harry loved to tell jokes and listen to music. As a devote Christian he also loved reading his Bible and was very knowledgeable in the scriptures.

He was an honorary member of the Washington State Drillers and Ground Water Association.

He is survived by his loving family of two daughters and sons-in-law; Bonnie and Ken Thompson, Moses Lake, Linda and Melvin Youngers, Ephrata; five grandchildren and spouses, David Burton, Darcie Thompson, Brandon and Cynde Burton, K.R. and Janett Thompson, Catherine and Justin McMillen; five great-grandchildren, Chase Reynolds, Madilyn Burton, McKenzie Burton, Alizabeth McMillen and Karson Thompson; many extended family members and a close friend, Phyllis McVay of Moses Lake.

In addition to his beloved wife, Marie, he was also preceded in death by two sisters and six brothers.