Joe Mcwilliams

Joe Lester McWilliams, 93, was bom June 29, 1911 at Hope, Arkansas. He departed this life April 24, 2005 in Farwell, TX. Joe was born to Elmer and Blanche McWilliams. brbrHis daddy died when he was 8 years old, leaving his mother with 6 children5 boys and 1 girl- to raise. They continued to maintain the farm until the fall of 1924. Then theybrmoved to Hall County, near Lakeview, Texas. They lived there until January 1931, then moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Joe moved to Parmer County, near Lariat, Texas in January 1935.brbrHe married Beulah Donaldson on June 4, 1938. They farmed near Lariat until retirement in 1980, when they moved to Farwell. Joe was converted and baptized into the Baptist Church while he was in his teens. He was ordained a deacon in the Texico Baptist Church in the spring of 1944. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams were charter members of First Baptist Church in Farwell when it was organized in March 1953. Mr. McWilliamsbrtaught a boys Sunday School class for several years, and continued to serve faithfully as a deacon until 2001 when he became disabled.brbrJoe was always a master farmer and even after they moved to town he planted a large garden in their backyard and devised an irrigation system that resembled a miniature farm. His delight was visiting his friends and neighbors and sharing the fruits and vegetables that he and his Lord had grown.brbrJoe loved to go tishing too and made many trips to east Texas and south Texas pulling their boat. lt was remarkable how many life-long friends he and Beulah made on these fishing vacations.brbrPreceding him in death were his parents, 4 brothers Edwin, Ray, Gordonbrand Clarence, and a sister, Vera Blackston. He is survived by his wife ofthe home, 2 brothers-in-law, 5 sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.brbrServices will be a First Baptist Church, Thursday, April 28, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard Laverty officiating. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Burial wil take place a Sunset Terrace Cemetery in Farwell, Texas.brbrArrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home.