Joe Bias Sr., 74, of Castalia, passed away Dec. 16, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous five-month battle with leukemia.

He was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Hewett, W.Va.

Joe joined the Navy, serving proudly from '58-62. After the service he started his 40-year career in retail with Cook United, then Sam's Wholesale Clubs. Joe loved mentoring and made many lifelong friends.

Joe loved traveling, fishing, playing cards and telling bad jokes. But above all he loved his family. He never missed a game, concert, play or dance recital for his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Joe loved life; he made the world a better place for his family, his friends and anyone that crossed his path. He will be missed.

He was a member of the Castalia Congregational United Church of Christ, Castalia Lions, Meals on Wheels, American Legion and AMVETS.

Joe is survived by his wife, Fran "Shupe" Bias, the love of his life, whom he married on June 21, 1968; five children, Teddy (Pauline) Bias, Anna (Buddy) Hudson, Joe (Lisa) Bias, Deny (Kelli) Bias and Dana (Brian) Holbrook; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Oris Ray Bias of Arizona; Ray and Barb Shupe, who were more like brother and sister than in-laws; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Anne Bias; and two brothers, Bobby and Keith.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, in the Ransom Funeral and Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia. The Lions Club will have a memorial service at 3:45 p.m. Monday. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, in the Congregational United Church of Christ, 205 Main St., Castalia, followed by military honors conducted by the American Legion. Pastor John Paputza will officiate the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Congregational UCC: Castalia Lions, Box 34, Castalia, OH; Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH; or to Cancer Research.

Condolences may be shared with the family at ransomfuneral.com.