Joe T. Goetschius, Jr., 77, of Vidor, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, December 16, 2006 surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park at 4:00 pm. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, December 19, 2006 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
Joe was born in Galveston, Texas, March 15, 1929 to Beatrice and Joe Goetschius, Sr. and grew up in Port Arthur. After graduating from Lamar State College he worked for ten years for the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. In 1965, he was named the Executive Vice-President of the Young Men’s Business League, serving for thirty-one years before his retirement in 1996. Known as “Mr. YMBL” by many, he was an invaluable guiding force behind the YMBL’s many charitable and civic events including the annual South Texas State Fair and the YMBL Rodeo. He was a familiar face and well-respected by his many friends in the community. Joe loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially in his retirement years. He was a fan of golf, Western art, John Wayne, Elvis Presley and Judge Judy. Quick-witted, with a great sense of humor, he loved to laugh.
Throughout his life, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by the love of his life, Jeanne, his wife of fifty-five years; five children, Bobby Goetschius of Beaumont, Dianne Thomas and husband David of Vidor, Cheryl Goetschius Herman and husband Guy of Sunland, California, Jack Goetschius and wife Diane of Beaumont and Debra Goetschius of Los Angeles, California; seven grandchildren, Brent Thomas and wife Debra, Alane Thomas, Katrina, Keila, Karley and Kalley Goetschius and Taylor Goetschius Herman; great-grandson, Bradley Thomas; and sister, Betty Hawkins and husband Arthur of Port Arthur. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Alice Brice.
Serving as pallbearers will be H.M. Nix, Willis Reed, John Powell, Ed Burks, Judge Richard LeBlanc, Tommy Leicht, Dan Rogas and Emil Weaver. Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Hicks of Alief, Texas and Jerry Bean of Port Arthur.
