Joseph Edwin Demeules

Joseph (Joe) Demeules of Torrance, California passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2024, with his family present. He is survived by his 3 children Kristin, Brian and Jina and 28 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, their spouses and many nieces and nephews. During his 103 years on this earth, he defended his country, raised a family and was a huge supporter of the square dance community among all of his other activities too numerous to mention. Joe was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 20, 1921. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His passing leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill.
Joe was known for his brilliant smile, engaging personality, intelligence, tenacity and jack-of-all-trades and skills. His garage workshop is a testament to the projects he worked on and built with love.
Joe enlisted in the Army Air Corp and later in the Air Force piloting P-38’s, P-51’s, and various other fighters. He served in WWII where he was stationed in Italy and also served in the Korean conflict. His military career lasted from 1944 to 1981 when he retired as a Major.
Joe was married to his lovely wife Frances for 72 years. They moved to Torrance in 1953 when his active military career was ending. There he attended Northrup Institute of Technology and received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Joe continued being involved with his love of flying by working for Northrup Engineering designing planes. He worked for Northrup until he retired, then was rehired by Northrup several years later to continue his love of solving engineering problems.
Joe enjoyed life to the fullest. He and Frances joined a square dance beginner’s class in 1957 and became avid square dancers. As usual, Joe never hesitated to take on leadership roles in their club, the Honeycombers, and later with the Associated Square Dancers, and served on the National Square Dance Association Education Committee for the 1988 National Convention in Anaheim. Several members of his immediate and extended family became square dancers and at one time there were 4 active generations of square dancers including a grandson who became a caller.
Joe was very proud of his service to his country. As one of the very few remaining WWII veterans, he was an honored guest of the Oxnard Commemorative Air Force Air show held in August for the past 3 years. It just happened to coincide with his birthday which made for a wonderful birthday celebration. He was also honored to ride in the Armed Forces Day parade in Torrance for many years. He made frequent visits to the Torrance Airport Museum with his son Brian where he met and interacted with those who shared his interest in flying and the P-38 Lightning in particular. Joe and his son spent many wonderful hours visiting air shows and events where he was often recognized by the event sponsors for his service.
Joe also developed a late in life love of sports in the form of Angels Baseball. Joe and Frances would go to the Angels stadium at least once a year, and spent many hours watching the games at home. His daughter, Jina, would make sure the games were recorded so he could watch them on his schedule. He continued to watch the games and track players until his final days. He was disappointed that the Angels lost their bid in 2024 for the World Series.
We love you and will miss you, from all your family and friends.
Relatives, neighbors and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. There will be an evening visitation on Sunday December 29, 2024 from 4-8 pm, with funeral services on Monday December 30, 2024 at 2 pm. Graveside service will follow and include a Military Honor Guard.