Joseph Edward Walsh went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 24, 2021, at the age of 87.
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A memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Dr. Howard K. Batson, First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was private. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
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Joe was born January 18, 1934, in Amarillo to W.D. and Mary Walsh. Joe was the second youngest of nine brothers and is survived by his youngest brother, Lee Walsh. Joe attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated in 1953 from Price College.
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During Joe’s early years, he worked in the family business, Walsh Grocery, which later became Walsh Food Service. Joe found enjoyment boxing for the Golden Gloves. He married his high school sweetheart Rheta Kay Latimer on July 22, 1954. Joe and Kay had four boys with whom he enjoyed riding motorcycles at the river, going to the lake, coaching, and supporting each of
them through college. After the untimely death of his wife, Kay, in 1983, he married a long-time family friend, Marjorie Royse Taylor, on December 30, 1983. With his new family, he quickly gained a loving and long-term relationship with everyone and always loved each of them as his own.
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As a meat buyer and butcher in the family business, Joe had always dreamed of opening his own meat market. He accomplished this in 1984 before semi-retiring to be proprietor and concessioner for the State of Texas at the Goodnight Trading Post and with his son, Randy, the Goodnight Stables in Palo Duro Canyon. In 2000, Joe fully retired to travel with Marjorie and spend time with his grandchildren. In retirement, Joe found tremendous joy in playing Santa Clause for children all over Amarillo through his church and Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed playing games, golf, and beekeeping. However, his true passion and devotion was his family, especially each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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Joe was loved by all that knew him. He had an infectious smile and was well known for his hugs.
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Joe received Last Rites on November 22, 2021, by Monsignor Rex Nicholl. On November 23, 2021, prayers of blessing were given by Dr. Howard Batson.
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Joe is survived by: his wife, Marjorie Royse Walsh; his four sons and their spouses, Alan & Linda, Randy & Brenda, Rocky & Trish, and Shannon & Susan; stepson and his spouse, Victor & Laura Taylor; and stepdaughter and her spouse, Royse Anne & Jeff Donaway. Additionally, Joe is survived by 10 grandchildren: Erin Walsh, Brenda Kay Walsh, Ashley Donaway Massucci, Allyson Donaway Kaplan, Jerry Kleinpeter, Keelan Walsh, Camie Walsh, Morgan Donaway Parker, Kayla Walsh, and extended grandson Casey Dickerson. Joe has been blessed with 8 great-grandchildren and is survived by many nieces and nephews who all claim Uncle Joe was their favorite.
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Memorials are encouraged in Joe’s name to Heal the City of Amarillo, Texas.
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Family visitation will be from 6-7:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2021, at the funeral home.
I’m so thankful I got to tell him I loved him again I miss him so much he was such a big part of my life and I will always have a place in my heart for him and Marjorie
Rest In Peace dear friend. Your joyful kind
Ways are remembered.
“Grampo” Joe we sure do miss you. You have always been a wonderful friend & neighbor for the last 17 years of knowing you. Especially to my girls.We are definitely going to miss your great big hugs & big smile.We love you & Marjorie so much.Rest in Paradise .With much love, The Castaneda girls