Joseph E. Geist

The Rev. Joseph E. Geist, 95, of Butler (Summit Township), passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, in Good Samaritan Hospice, Cabot. He was born Sept. 7, 1923, in Bloomsburg, Pa., to the late William and Mabel (Yost) Geist. He was raised from ages 6 to 17 in Girard College, Philadelphia. He later obtained his bachelor of science degree in engineering from Penn State University. In addition, he went on to do graduate studies at the University of Pitt. Rev. Geist resided in Rural Valley and also South Buffalo Township for 15 years prior to residing in Butler. Joseph was a lieutenant JG in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He was a chemical engineer for the U.S. government, working in Indian Head, Md. After retiring at a fairly young age, Joseph attended Biblical Life Institute, South Buffalo, where he continued on as a professor for a number of years. Joseph leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years, Mary E. (Bickle) Geist, of Butler; his caregiver, aunt Lois Watterson; his children, Jude (Mary) Geist, of Emporia, Va., Faith Geist, of Titusville, Hope Tomajko, of Baltimore, Md., Lydia DeBiase, of Morton, Pa, and Ezra (Sherri) Geist of Arkport, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his six siblings. 
Family and friends will be received from 10 until the time of funeral ceremonies at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, in the chapel of Biblical Life Institute, 927 Freeport Road, Freeport (South Buffalo Township), with the Rev. Dr. Gary Bailey officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in McVille Union Cemetery, South Buffalo. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport, PA, 724-295-3100.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions may be made to Biblical Life Institute, 927 Freeport Road, Freeport, PA 16229.

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