Joseph Edward Elston

China Grove, NC

Joseph Edward “Joe” Elston, 73, of China Grove died July 10, 2020 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury after a brief period of decline.

Joe was born September 16, 1946 in Louisville Kentucky, a son of the late Hunter John and Violet Smith Elston. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Elston; two brothers, Bud and Maxi Elston and 2 sisters, Barbara Hanken and June Schnellenburger.

Joe was a loving and dedicated family man.  He had a love for all sports, especially Kentucky Basketball and horseracing. He also loved the challenge of crossword puzzles.  During his younger years he was an avid softball player and pitched on numerous teams. Joe was a machinist with over 40 plus years in the tobacco industry, which would eventually bring him to Concord to Phillip Morris.  For many years he was the Shop Steward of Local 108 International Association of Machinists (IAM) and gained the respect and trust not only from his fellow union members, but plant administrators as well.  He was an excellent negotiator and arbitrator who always treated everyone fairly and with respect.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 44 years, Anna “Colleen” Vaughn Elston of the family home, his daughters; Deena Chavis and husband Woody of Kannapolis and Rhonda Elston of Indiana, his grandson, Shane Blalock of Charlotte; two sisters, Betty Franke and Virginia Rautenbusch, both of KY along with many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com