Joseph H. "Sonny Joe" Walbe, who resided in Fort Smith, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2019, at his residence. He was born April 3, 1926, in Morrison Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Joseph and Anna Schlaff Walbe. He was 93 years old. He was preceded in death also by his wife of 56 years, Stella Kleck Walbe; his son, Kevin; his brothers, Andrew, Leo, and Martin; his sisters, Lily, Sr. Marian, Margie, and Josephine; a son-in-law, John "Mack" Williams; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Walbe.

He raised his family in Dayton, Ohio, and worked for NCR, first in maintenance and then managing Hawthorn Hill, the Wright Brothers' home. He retired to Fort Smith, where he spent many years as a much-loved volunteer at Mercy (formerly St. Edward's) Hospital. Joe never met a stranger and was always ready with a smile and a story. A gentle soul, he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor.

Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 15th, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Fort Smith.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 16th, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Cemetery, located north of Ratcliff, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Mary Erman Walbe; his daughters, Doris Williams and Shelley Walbe, and a son, Darrell Walbe, all of Dayton, Ohio; his stepchildren, Tom (Judy) Erman of Springdale, Barbara (Jack) Orlicek of Bella Vista, Jane (Donnie) Bell of Fort Smith, and Becky (Rick) Griffin of Fort Smith; his sisters, Ann Fritsche and Juanita Perry; four grandchildren and eight step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Dennis Wewers, Kendall Shelby, Rick Fritsche, J.D. Walbe, Curtis Walbe, Stephen Walbe, and Nick Borengasser.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.