Joe Edward Penick died in Princeton New Jersey on December 16. He was 90.

Born in Frederick, Oklahoma, the son of Jesse Olin and Grace Lane Penick, Joe was an only child. Soon after his birth the family moved to Altus, Oklahoma where they lived until Joe went off to college. He was a gifted musician and played in the Harve Walker Orchestra and other "Big Bands" while still in high school. While attending the University of Oklahoma, he played trumpet and piano in the Boomers Dance Band where he met his future wife, the vocal soloist, Jean Scott. Joe graduated with a degree in chemical engineering after which he and Jean were married in October 1942.

The young married couple first lived in Dallas, Texas where Joe was employed by the Magnolia Petroleum Co, a subsequent affiliate of Mobil Oil. During World War II he served on the Aviation Gasoline Advisory Committee of the Petroleum Administration for Defense whose mission was enhancing the supply of military fuels.

During his long and successful career with Mobil Oil Corporation Joe and his growing family lived in Glenn Rock, New Jersey; Providence, Rhode Island; Augusta, Kansas; Palos Verdes, California and Chappaqua, New York. Joe retired in 1985 as Senior Vice President of Mobil Oil Corporation with responsibility for Mobil's worldwide research and engineering activities. Joe was a very creative leader who was inventor or co- inventor of over 60 United States and foreign patents in the field of petroleum refining.

Most recently, Mr. and Mrs. Penick have enjoyed a long period of retirement, with homes in Princeton, New Jersey and Naples, Florida. In Princeton, Joe was a member of the Springdale and Bedens Brook Golf Clubs, The Nassau Club, the Old Guard of Princeton and the Nassau Presbyterian Church. He was also a founding member of the Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples.

After 67 years of marriage, Mrs. Penick died this past spring. Joe is survived by his two sons, Joe Edward Penick, Jr. and wife Marsha of West Chester, Pennsylvania (children Katherine Penick Taylor (Peter) of Arlington, Virginia and Emily of Athens, Ohio) and David Penick and wife Mary Delaney of New York City and Princeton, New Jersey.

The funeral service will be held at Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey on Tuesday, December 21st at 2 pm with calling hours preceding at 1:30 pm. Burial will be at Princeton Cemetery.