Joe D. Petree, of El Centro passed away peacefully in his beloved Mt. Laguna mountains surrounded by his family on Friday, June 25, 2010. He was born on October 4, 1919 in Abilene, Texas, the son of Edward and Mary Leta Petree. His strength, courage, and faith gave peace and comfort to all he knew and loved. Joe married the love of his life, Opal Marie Briggs on January 26, 1938 and they immediately rode a bus to the Imperial Valley with only $15 in their pocket. She passed away in 1984. On the second day Joe was in the Imperial Valley he was hired by Imperial Ice as an ice handler and delivery man. In the early 1950's, Imperial Ice became Shippers Ice Company and after 42 years of dedicated service, Joe retired as the General Manager in 1982. Joe joined the Navy during World War II and was assigned to a refrigerated cargo ship. His ship spent one year replenishing U.S. troops on Iwo Jima. Joe was the patriarch of a large loving family. He had 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. He was lovingly called Grandpa, Papa, Papa Tree, and Papa Joe by his family and friends. He was a proud and active member in several fraternal organizations: Imperial Masonic Lodge# 390, Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar, York Cross of Honour, Knight Masons, Red Cross of Constantine, founding member of Lux Lodge # 846, and a member of Al Bahr Shrine. He received the Hiram Award in 1989. Joe was also a long time member of the First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, daughters' Lenora Poole and Susan Hovley, and their husbands Hugh Poole and Mike Hovley. Joe is survived by his daughter Judy Myers and son-in-law Fred, Anna Teague and son-in-law Kirby, and his son Chris Petree and daughter-in-law Trish. Four of his brothers preceded him in death, Alvin, Dow, Guy, and Murl. He is survived by his sister Mardena Cunningham, brother Billy Petree, and many nephews and nieces. His "Celebration of Life" will be held on Friday, July 9th at 10:00 AM at the Saints Peter and Paul Episcopal Church on 500 S. 5th St. in El Centro. Graveside services will be private.