Newton Joe Prince's Obituary
It is with saddened hearts that the family of Newton (Joe) Prince announce his peaceful passing on July 22, 2021 after a long and courageous journey with Mesothelioma cancer.
Joe was born on June 23, 1933 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Katie and Jesse Prince. As the oldest of 3 boys, he took on the role of protector even at a young age; a trait which was central throughout his life.
After graduating from Napa High School, Napa, California in 1951, he was employed by various businesses including a family owned luxury boat building company where he was able to use his excellent carpentry skills. He never lost his love for wood and being able to design and build various home projects.
Joe was proud to have served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958 and in Reserve status until 1962. He was a true patriot and his love for country and flag never wavered.
The highlight of his career was as a member of the California Highway Patrol over the span of 25 years. He took seriously the role of protector as well as enforcer. He had a strong commitment to fairness even when experiencing the negative side of humanity.
If you ever talked to him, you know there was no end to the stories he could tell.
When all was said and done, he said that the greatest satisfaction came when he could bring words of comfort to people at the site of a traffic accident who were hurting and despairing.
Working as an investigator for the Phoenix, Arizona DA’s office and for the California Department of Corrections were also challenging experiences.
In his mid-years, Joe met the love of his life and true soul mate, Carolyn De Beer and they were married on Oct. 17, 1993 in Sacramento, California and he became part of a family he loved with his whole being.
This immediate family includes : daughter, Sherri Prince, “bonus” children Bob De Beer (Gina), Debra Murray (Greg), Dawn Ulrickson (Dave) and Grandchildren Stephen DeBeer(Virginia), Robert De Beer, Elizabeth De Beer, Kyle Murray and Connor Murray.
He was one proud Grampa of each of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother John (Louise) and survived by his youngest brother Larry (Edith), sister-in-law Beth Avent (John), brother-in-law Gordon De Jong(Caroline) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.,
Joe often used this phrase : "Whatever it took to get here” as he counted his blessings daily and offered prayers of gratitude for his loving family, asking God to guide and protect each one.
Faith and Family were of utmost importance in his life here on earth. To quote a saying in Judaism send by a dear friend …. May his memory be a Blessing.
Providing food so all can eat was dear to Joe’s heart. His wish is that any donations be made to either the Mabank Area Good Samaritan Food Bank (MAGS) which was founded in 1987 by a member of the Mabank Presbyterian Church , PO Box 1977, Mabank, Tx 75147 or to the Network Ministries of Richardson, started by a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, PO Box 831985, Richardson, Tx 75083.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, August 23rd at 10:30 am at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 271 N. Walton St, Richardson, Tx 75081 followed by inurnment at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery for immediate family.
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