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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, January 11, 2007

Missionary descendant Joseph H. Worrall Jr.

 •  Obituaries

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Joseph Howard "Joe" Worrall Jr. of Kahala, a fourth-generation descendant of the Edwin Oscar Hall missionary family from Massachusetts that came to Hawai'i in the 1820s, died Sunday at The Queen's Medical Center, 24 days before his 83rd birthday.

Worrall was a World War II combat veteran who served at Iwo Jima, a banker, sales representative for Hawaiian Telephone and Realtor. But what he loved best was helping Shriners Hospital for Children, his son said.

"My dad was fully committed to Shriners, not just in Honolulu but all over the Pacific region," said Joseph H. Worrall III of Phoenix.

Joe Worrall was a member of Hawaiian Masonic Lodge, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and past potentate of the Aloha Shrine Temple. He also served on the Shriners Hospital for Children Board of Governors.

Born in Nu'uanu and educated at Hanahau'oli and Punahou schools, Worrall is remembered fondly for his storytelling talent. "My dad could tell good humorous stories like no one else," his son said.

The son of J. Howard Worrall, a former territorial legislator and entrepreneur who cofounded KGMB radio/TV, he worked as a banker until 1965 when he joined Hawaiian Telephone Co. as a sales representative.

After 14 years with the telephone company, Joe Worrall joined his wife's business, Mary Worrall Associates Sotheby's International Realty (then Lawson Worrall), as a Realtor.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; sons Joseph, Christopher and Robert; daughter Elizabeth "Beth" Worrall; and eight grandchildren.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Central Union Church. Aloha attire.

Donations in Worrall's memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Transportation Fund, 1310 Punahou St., Honolulu, HI 96826.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.