Joseph Lee Hettich's Obituary
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Joseph (Joe) Lee Hettich passed from us unexpectedly on April 12, 2025, in Cumby, Texas, at the young age of 74.
Born on February 2, 1951, Joe was raised in Pleasant Grove. He helped his parents and brother out at the family service station, and later in life they managed the family farm together. Later, it would become his homestead on which he raised his children and his cattle. He was and is known for his hardworking and heroic nature, deeply rooted in his service with the Marines from 1969 to 1973. Post-military, he dedicated himself to various trades, working as a farmer, mechanic, and firewood cutter. “Jack of All Trades, Master of None!” he would proclaim!
He graduated from H Grady Spruce in 1969. Later on, after serving his time in the United States Marine Corps, he would earn a degree in Automobile Mechanics from Eastfield College.
Joe was a family-oriented man, raising 2 daughters full time as a single dad, and also being an amazing father to his other children as well. He was equally supportive, loving, and involved in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was an integral part in the raising of 3 of his grandchildren. He answered happily to Dad, Daddy, PawPaw and Grandpa Joe.
When he wasn’t working or parenting, he enjoyed gardening, watching old westerns and war films on DVD from his favorite chair, mowing his yard, helping his neighbors, and going for coffee to “shoot the sh**” with the “boys”, spoiling his pets (see also COWS) He loved a good argument, and practicing “Joes Law” More recently, he was interested in the internet and had started looking at YouTube. He also shocked the world by purchasing a huge item online, unassisted.
He is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Shehadeh of North Carolina; Merrideth Kluth, and husband Robbie of Alvord; Brandy Hettich Hicks, and husband Jerry, of Greenville; Bonnie Hettich and husband Alan Lawson, of Kemp. His brother Alvie V. Hettich, and wife Marie, of California. Grandchildren Amber Smith, Bryan Hodshire, Rachel Gilbert, Alexandra Minnick, Lunari Minnick, Ethan Hettich, Joseph Hettich-Gafford, Ireland Gafford, Isaiah Hettich-Lawson, Aiden Hettich-Lawson, and Kailey Lawson. He was also the proudest great grandfather to eight beautiful great grandchildren: Beaux, Briella, Boston, Brandon, Azalea, Levi, Leah and Liam. He will be beloved and missed by a host of nieces and a nephew, cousins, friends, relatives, neighbors and loved ones. Probably even a few ladies whose hearts he broke along the way.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, great grandparents, a sister, Shirley, that passed at birth, a great grandson, Roman Oliver Gafford, and several men that he proudly fought and served with in combat, many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives
He will rest eternally beside his beloved Mother, Shirley M. Cox Hettich, and his Father,Alvie V. Hettich, as well as his grandmother, Winnie. All of whom went before him to prepare him a place.
A service to honor Joes’ life will be held on April 25, 2025, at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas at 10:30 am. His life was a testament to the values of loyalty, love, and strength, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
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