Joe Manning Whitson

Joe Manning Whitson passed at home and in peace on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Joe left his temporary home on earth for the beauty of his final home in heaven. He was born in Alice on May 2, 1930 to Joe and Vesta Whitson. He met the love of his life, Leona, when he met her at church and it was love at first sight. They married in August 1953.

Joe began his career as a carpenter’s helper but spent most of his working life at Celanese Chemical Company. He was a man who could build or fix anything. One could often find him helping a widow or church member repairing something broken or driving when they were in need of transportation. He was a deacon of First Baptist Church where you could find him most days working on the air conditioner or doing odd jobs.  He loved the Lord and was a devout Christian. Joe’s greatest talent was his ability to play the piano by ear. He began playing as a young boy and continued to play throughout his life. Delighting his family, he would sit at the piano and play almost anything upon request. His grandchildren were the light of his life and they dearly loved their “Papa”.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Leona Whitson; parents, Joe Whitson and Vesta Manning Whitson; infant granddaughter, Abigail Young; and brother, Frank Whitson.

Joe is survived by loving family, daughters, Debra (Lane) Brooks, of Alice and Karen (Steve) Young of Houston; granddaughter, Keely (Shane) Senft of Helotes; grandson, Dalton (Emily Reierson) Brooks of San Antonio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family will be receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St. Alice, TX. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Alice, TX. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joe & Leona’s passions:

First Baptist Church Bereavement Committee

501 E. Second St., Alice, TX 78332    

Or To

STCH Ministries, Borcher Cottage

P.O. Box 759, Beeville, TX 78104

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook.holmgreenmortuary.com

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