Joe Robert Whorton

Joe Robert Whorton, 89, of Bellville, Texas passed away on Monday, October 5, 2015 at his home. Joe was born on August 22, 1926 in Corsicana, Texas (Navarro County) to James Barr and Ida Johnson Whorton. He grew up and attended school in Blooming Grove, Texas, where he participated in all sports and excelled academically. Upon graduating from Blooming Grove High School in 1944, he received the Distinguished Service Award - Best Athlete. Joe was a member of the RCA (Rodeo Cowboy Association, later known as the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association). He was a competitive bull rider, bareback and saddle bronc rider in the 1940s and 1950s. Joe served in the United States Army from January 1945 to December 1946 with Company B, 31st Infantry Regiment in Korea during World War II. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, where he supervised the training of military personnel in the use of various light weapons and trained personnel in combat tactics. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Ribbon - Japan, the Victory Ribbon, and 2 Overseas Service Bars. When his active service ended in 1946 with an Honorable Discharge, Joe signed up for the Army Reserve. In October 1949, he was Honorably Discharged from the Army for the second time. Joe married Margie A. Melton on June 26, 1947 in Corsicana, Texas. They made their home in Thompsons/Rosenberg, Texas where Joe was employed by Humble Oil Company. He attended San Jacinto College for electrical and electronics training. In 1962, Humble Oil/Exxon transferred Joe to Baytown and then, in 1963, to the Raccoon Bend field - where they lived in Bellville and raised their family. After 39 years with Exxon (retiring as an Electronics Specialist in 1986), Joe dedicated his time to working on his land, raising cattle, and riding his horses. In addition, he stayed busy helping Margie with her antique business, traveling with Margie, and enjoying his grandchildren. Joe and Margie were active members of the First Baptist Church of Bellville for many years. He taught Sunday School and served on various church committees. Joe was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather - serving as an exceptional role model for all. His family meant everything to him. In the last few years, he had totally committed himself to Margie's care. Joe was a kind, humble, compassionate, and genuine gentleman with the patience of Job, who gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. He had a life well-lived and well-loved. Joe is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margie; his son, Rick Whorton and partner, Susan Hallmark of Spring; his daughter, Holly Smith and husband, Keith "Butch" of Sugar Land; his grandchildren: Michelle Whorton of Houston, Ashley Whorton Sanders and husband, Mark of McKinney, Matthew Smith and Andrew Smith, both of Houston; his great-granddaughter, Audrey Sanders; his sister, Jimmie Spain of Richland; his sister-in-law, Nancy Melton of Blooming Grove; his brothers-in-law: Jake Melton and wife, Mary Ann of Blooming Grove, Daryl Sanders of Hillsboro, Bill Wilson of Ft. Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Ida Whorton; his sisters: Anne Hyman, Orene Goodwin, Effie Perkins, Ruby Tacker, Georgie Bridges; and his half-brother, E. B. Whorton. Pallbearers are Bobby Spain, John Spain, Mike Spain, Jack Farish, Mike Sanders, Larry Farish, Benny Melton, Randy Melton, and Brett Melton. Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Hyman, Jake Melton, Daryl Sanders, and Bill Wilson. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the: First Baptist Church, 504 East Strauss Street, Bellville, Texas or to the charity of their choice.