Funeral procession in Red Bluff Saturday to honor World War II veteran

A funeral procession Saturday in Red Bluff will make its way along Walnut Street and the downtown area to honor World War II veteran Joe Chew. (George Johnston — Daily News)

By GEORGE JOHNSTON | gjohnston@redbluffdailynews.com | Red Bluff Daily News

PUBLISHED: July 29, 2021 at 4:03 p.m. | UPDATED: July 29, 2021 at 4:03 p.m.

RED BLUFF —  A funeral procession will make its way through Red Bluff Saturday to honor long-time resident Joe Chew.

Chew was a historic staple of Red Bluff. His family was one of the original five families who immigrated from China and pioneered the city’s Chinatown.

The procession will begin around 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers and tour some of Chew’s favorite and sentimental spots in Red Bluff. The first stop will be 625 Walnut St., the site of the first Chew family restaurant. Other locations will included Chew’s last commercial building sale, his place of birth and home on Reeds Creek Road. The procession will finish at Oak Hill Cemetery for the burial.

During the Second World War, Chew was drafted to serve in the military. He worked as a financial clerk and retired here in Red Bluff as an accountant after the war. With help from the GI Bill, he finished school at Chico State and was able to buy his first home on Reeds Creek Road using a VA loan, It remained his primary residence until his passing.

A World War II veteran, Chew was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for Service in August 2020.

Granddaughter Jessica Casas said she was grateful for the recognition of Chew’s service.

“It was a cherished memory that I have to see my grandpa and his friends be honored at this level,” Casas said. “I know it meant a lot to him since he lost some friends in the war too.”

Chew passed away June 1 at 99 years old.

Casas said the Helen & Joe Chew Foundation is being created to provide scholarships at his alma mater, Red Bluff Union High School.