He is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty) Thompson, his four children James, Kenneth, Deborah, and Andrew; daughter-inlaw Alma, son-in-law Thomas; eight grandchildren; one greatgrandchild; his siblings Mary, Rebecca Sue, and Dorthy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was born on June 16, 1936, in Parker County, Texas.

After graduating from Santo High School and attending Tarleton State University, Joe joined the United States Navy, where he served honorably for 20 years, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. While stationed in San Diego, he met the love of his life, his wife Betty.

They were married on July 4, 1959. Over the course of his naval service, Joe, Betty, and their growing family were stationed at N.A.S. Whidbey Island, N.A.S. Iwakuni, N.A.S. Jacksonville, and N.A.S. Memphis.

While stationed in Tennessee, Joe bought a small farm on which he raised corn, cattle, chickens, and pigs, as well as various food crops, memorably including the “summer of the cantaloupes.”

After retiring from the Navy, Joe and his family settled in Taylor, Texas, where he worked as a realtor, as well as serving as the Business Manager for Coupland ISD where Betty was the long-time first and second grade teacher.

Joe was an active member of the Taylor Kiwanis Club. After retiring (again) from Coupland ISD, Joe encouraged Betty as she became a librarian and tended to her awardwinning landscaping and devoted his time to spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

The family requests that instead of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities: the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that veterans, service members, and their families have stable and successful futures, the Taylor Garden Club, or the Friends of the Taylor Public Library.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 2, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 408 Washburn St., Taylor, Texas.