Joe Avis Belew, 82, of Denton, Texas, suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away in his home on June 19, 2016.
Joe was born on October, 20, 1933 in Green Valley, Texas however his family moved to Denton, Texas and purchased an original 30 acres of land in North Denton where Joe grew up. Over the years, Joe accumulated 500 acres of land surrounding the original home place. He graduated from Denton High School in 1951 and joined the Marine Corps in 1952 and was based at Camp Pendleton. After being honorably discharged from the military in 1953, due to rheumatic fever, he returned to Denton and married Wanda Janette Kersieck on Oct. 30, 1954.
Joe and his father, Avis Belew, purchased Bell Roofing and Joe continued to run the business until his death. Joe went into the construction business and built several apartment complexes, town homes, houses, and office buildings in Denton. He owned many other businesses throughout his lifetime. Until his death, Joe continued to be very active running Bell Roofing and his ranch. He was often seen plowing his fields, tending his cattle, and working in his garden. He was an avid antique collector and amassed a large array of antiquities.
Joe was a prolific storyteller. Friends and family spent many evenings enjoying food and good stories with Joe. He was known for his hard work ethic and never missed a sunrise. He often would work after dark, tending to his cattle with his beloved dog, Sheba. Joe loved his grandchildren, painting, cooking, and spending time with his friends. There was always a baseball game playing on his radio and loved to talk about the current state of the world and the latest in politics. Though raised as a Yellow Dog Democrat, Mr. Trump would have gotten his vote.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Avis and Edna Belew, his sister, Irene Wilson Belew and many dear friends. He is survived by Wanda K. Belew, his daughters, Monica Naderi, Jennifer Roth, and Thereasa Reese Belew. Joe is survived by four loving grandchildren: Chase Roth, Farrah Naderi, Caroline Roth, and Heath Roth. He is also survived by his two nieces, Jo Lynn Huggins and Christine Gallo.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Mulkey Mason Funeral Home in Denton. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 24, 2016 in the chapel of Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, with Rev. Buddy Owens officiating. Burial will follow in the Cooper Creek Cemetery. On line condolences may be left at www.mulkeymasondenton.com
The pallbearers will be John Springer, Howard Askew, Jack Beatty, Gerard Roth, Luis Rivas, and Chase Roth.