Fredrick Joe LaRoe's Obituary
Joe LaRoe of Plano, Texas, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Joe was a consummate story-teller, patriotic American, and a loud and proud native Texan. He was a generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend.He threw legendary parties, told riotous stories, collected friends easily, and made an impression on everyone he met. He met obstacles (large and small) with stubborn defiance, and conquered them through sheer force of personality. Through hard work, he was a man of substance; who would remind his daughters that no one ever handed him anything, and you have to earn what you want from your life yourself. He was fiercely proud of his daughters’ achievements.Joe traveled widely; he took family road trips throughout the US in a restored mustang convertible. Joe took his daughters throughout Europe, and to Turkey, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He traveled to Alaska, Russia, and the Baltic States with Kay in recent years. He celebrated the arrival of 2017 by taking his family to Hawaii, and rang in what would be his last New Year’s Eve with a luau and fireworks on Waikiki beach. He was a “car guy” and always had more than one restoration project going. He loved mustangs and proudly drove his perfectly-restored ‘57 Chevy Bellaire Convertible to car shows.Joe never withheld an opinion, never said no to a friend, never passed on a chance to take someone out to dinner. He is described by those who knew him as amazing, crazy, hilarious, dearly-loved, larger-than-life, one-of-a-kind, a character, great fun, the ultimate party-meister, the “real deal through-and-through,” unforgettable, and a man who lived life to its fullest potential.He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Katie (Moseley) LaRoe. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay (Sanders) LaRoe; his daughters Kristi Sims (Chris) and Wendy McClellan (Joe); his grandchildren Mason McClellan, Morgan McClellan, and Austin Wooden; his step-daughters Kelli Sanders(Jack) and Julie Walthall (Collin), and Julie and Collin’s daughter, Sydney, who was the grandchild of his heart if not his blood. He is also survived by Tootsie and Muffie, the latest in a long line of miniature poodles he adored, including Phoebe, Keechie, Monique and Joilet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Bert; brothers Frank, Bert, Jr., and Larry; and his sister, Martha. He is survived by beloved nieces and nephews Will Franklin, Andrew Franklin, Diane Adame, Suzanne Devers, Bert LaRoe, Ron LaRoe, Mark LaRoe, and Betsy Burns. He was preceded in death by his beloved niece, Mary Pollard, and nephew John LaRoe.Joe was born in Lubbock, Texas, and graduated from Lubbock High in 1959. He graduated with a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas Tech University in 1964, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Thereafter, he served as a Captain in the US Army Europe, assigned to the 97th Signal Battalion stationed in Germany. His commanding officers described him as “a vigorous, industrious, and talented young officer;” “one of the most eager and energetic officers I ever served with;” full of “incentive, drive, and endless energy;” and “resourceful.” At the conclusion of his military service he returned to Texas and retired in 1994 after a career as a Sales/Marketing Manager at Ford Motor Company in the wholesale parts and glass divisions. He was a successful and award-winning salesman: He had a knack for making his customers personal friends, and taught many rookies from up north the delicate art of marketing tobusiness owners in general, and Texans in particular. His expense accounts left his bosses sputtering with rage, but he also had a knack for justifying them.Joe was a 32d-degree Mason and a Shriner for more than 50 years. He supported many charitable causes, and wished any donations in his memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. He lived large, enjoyed life, and will be missed immensely.The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 9, 2017, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 11:30 AM in The Memorial Chapel.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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