Joe Thomas

Donald Joe Thomas, known by everyone as “Joe”, was born October 12, 1941, in McAllen, Texas.  He was the third of four sons born to Dock and Thelma Thomas.  His father, mother, and three brothers, Leon, Bobbie, and Danny Ray, have all proceeded him in death.  On July 15, 1961, Joe married Janice McElmurry of Wichita, Kansas.   Janice passed away in 1999.  Their children are Sharie Hodges of Enid, Oklahoma, married to Tim Hodges, and Sundy Mauldin of Frisco, Texas, married to Steve Mauldin.  Joe has one granddaughter, Mrs. Kati Franco of Carmen, Oklahoma, married to Juan Franco. Kati is the daughter of Sharie and Tim Hodges. Joe left behind many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews that he loved very much.

 On April 4, 2013, Joe married Joy Hill of Jal, New Mexico.  The couple lived in Rio Grande City, Texas, where Joy still resides today.  Joe worked for over sixty years in the oilfield industry in Oklahoma, West Texas, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and South Texas.  Joe had many titles in his long career, and wore many hats in the industry, including pumper, field manager, rig foreman, drilling superintendent, production foreman, and operations manager.  Joe lived a long and beautiful life.  Of all the hats he wore, the cowboy hat was always his favorite.  Love you, Dad.

The Family asks that you do not send flowers. Instead, please consider donations to the charities that Joe always supported.

 The American Cancer Society

1-800-227-2345 and online at www.cancer.org

The Sheriffs' Association of Texas in support of county law enforcement.   

512-445-5888 and online at www.txsheriffs.org

Guiding Eyes of the Blind in support of training exceptional dogs to provide guide dogs as companions to the blind.

1-800-942-0149 and online at www.guidingeyes.org

As a lifelong dog lover, Joe would be proud to know that we all support our local no kill animal shelters.

   Dear Family and Friends,

 My time has come

 to leave this life.

  I go with love, 

 and not with strife.

   I leave with you  

  my love and grace. 

  As you each grieve 

  at your own pace. 

  My heart remains 

   forever yours. 

     For the love we shared 

     always endures. 

    Love Always,

 Joe

Services are under the direction of Hondo Funeral Home.