Joseph Ojile April 25, 1924 - September 22, 2021

Joseph Elias Ojile

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Joseph Elias ‘Joe’ Ojile, 97, of St. Louis, MO, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.  He was born to Lebanese immigrant parents, Elias J. and Zakia (Mattar) Ojile, on April 25, 1924 in Wichita, KS.  Joe’s family relocated to St. Louis, MO, where he resided throughout his life.  Joe graduated from McKinley High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business & Accounting from St. Louis University.  Joe was a World War II veteran and a very proud American. He spent a successful career spanning over 45 years in accounting positions and owned two small businesses:  Ojile Income Tax & Bookkeeping Service and Banner Machine Tool & Supply Company.  Joe and Mary supported and volunteered at St. Raymond Maronite Catholic Church.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, grandfather, parishioner, and friend.

Joe’s passions included playing golf, cards, Chinese Checkers, and ping pong.  He loved sweets, joke-telling, reading, and was a huge fan of Cardinals’ baseball and St. Louis University Billiken’s basketball.  Joe was a life-long learner who also enjoyed history, and financial investments.  He made many lasting friendships over the years through his genuine interest in other people.

Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary G. Ojile; his children Joseph M. Ojile (Marianne), Christine M. Ojile, Victoria A. Fike (David), Ann M. Ojile, and Elaine M. Simon (George), his twelve grandchildren Joseph P. Ojile (Marissa), Oliva Thomas (Jake), Samuel Ojile, Sophie Ojile, Jack Ojile, Maria Simon, Theresa Simon, Sarah Simon, Caroline Simon, Rebecca Simon, Elizabeth Simon, and Samuel Fike; two great grandchildren Rex Ojile and Simon Thomas; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  Joe is preceded in death by his parents Elias J. and Zakia Ojile, his five brothers and their spouses: Harry (Sarah), Jim (Frances), Phillip (Lilian), Mitch (Esther), Raymond (Marlyn), and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services:  A Christian funeral service and burial for Joseph was held for the family on Saturday, September 25th at St. Raymond Church in St. Louis, MO, with a military burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Raymond Maronite Catholic Cathedral https://www.straymond-mc.org/online-giving, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now.