Joe Wishard

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Joe Wishard

Joe was my first cousin but we were raised more like brothers on farms next to each other.  We were in the same class in school and on the same sports team and went to church together until we graduated from high school.

Joe was a man who could be tested and stand the test.  I remember playing on the Fannindel Falcons football team with him when we had been beaten badly by a team that should not have won. The next week Coach McGhee pushed the whole team very hard and said he wanted the weak and lazy to be driven to quit.  Joe ran faster wind sprints than I did, but his example to keep going made me want to keep going.  He did that all his life as we were close from childhood until he graduated to heaven Thursday morning, 4/18/13.

He kept solid in the basics.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and put this commitment as a bedrock principle.  He was an independent thinker, but sensitive to the views of others.  He served his siblings in their hard times like no one else I have known.

He had much joy in His life.  His love for Jesus Christ did not take away his joy, but added to it.  He had character. He was willing to be different from the herd when this was needed, but not with an arrogant spirit.  He was a farmer, banker, and preacher, but in all these things, he was a friend.

I saw him as a lover of God, family, church and farming community. Joe thought the rolling hills of North Texas were the most beautiful place on earth.  Last May I was blessed to be able to travel to the farm and visit overnight with Joe and Sylvia.  Sheila and I were hosted with a nice time of fellowship and Joe was able to communicate fairly well.  We got up in the morning and it was a hazy, foggy morning.  We sat on the porch and had a banquet breakfast of Jimmy Dean sausage and biscuits. That lazy morning we looked over the rolling hills and remembered the good old days.  I left to head back to Denver thinking that might be the last visit until we meet in heaven. Joe finished strong in love for God and people.

Our prayers are with Sylvia, Sherry, Teresa, Julie and all Joe’s siblings and family.  Well done Joe!  Not good bye, but so long for now.

Larry Wishard

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