Joseph Rodney DeNoon

JOSEPH RODNEY DENOON – Jan. 6, 1939 – Sept. 24, 2021

On September 24, 2021, Joseph Rodney DeNoon also known as Papa Joe, entered Heaven the way he lived his life; with courage, dignity and grace. He entered his last days on this earth with the mindset of Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” …..even face death!

Joe was born in Kansas City, MO on Jan. 6, 1939 to Nelson and Alma DeNoon. Joe was an only child, loved deeply and often spoiled by his parents. They were known to “follow” Joe wherever his work took him. Once when Joe was transferred to DeLeon, TX, his parents moved and settled one day before his wife even arrived in DeLeon. Joe and his parents moved to Stanton, TX when he was 7 yrs old and in the 2nd grade. They lived there until he graduated from Stanton High School in 1959. Being a stout 6’4” young man, Joe played football until he broke his back. He went on to play basketball and pole vaulted until he broke his ankle in a bad way. Word has it that Joe was showing out for the cheerleaders while he practiced when he broke his ankle just days before going to the State competition. His coach was not too happy with him! Joe was a dedicated worker and began working at the age of 11 at the Friendly Foods in Stanton, TX. He bought his parents their first TV with his earnings of around $6.00 per day. Six years later, he was still making the same amount. Unbelievable! Joe loved people and he loved serving others. He always said, “A job is not about the amount of money you make but about enjoying what you do.” Joe graduated Stanton High School In 1958. In 1959, Joe joined the United States Air Force, where he served as an Air Refueler, until 1962. Though he wanted to see the world, the USAF had different plans; he spent most of those 4 years stationed in El Paso, TX. Not quite the adventure he sought. Joe finished his time in the Air Force and moved to Midland, TX. He worked for the Midland Police Dept. and later for the Sheriff’s Dept. in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1967. He went to work for Mobil Oil and after 35 years retired in 1999. He then bought a motor home and traveled for at least a year doing something he always loved. He was living the dream!! Sadly 9/11 affected that dream life and Joe was forced to go back to work. His experience in security would lead him to several jobs including Harrah’s Casino, Express Energy, Loomis Fargo, and finally the Texas Dept of Criminal Justice which took him to Snyder, TX. He was diagnosed in 2010 with Parkinson’s and continued to work 4 more years until the disease forced him to retire a second time in 2014. Joe fought this disease bravely but it took its toll on his body, stealing this gentle giant’s strength and eventually his ability to enjoy the things he loved. Joe loved being in nature! He especially enjoyed hiking and camping in the mountains of Ft. Davis and Colorado. He enjoyed fishing and had a passion for photography. He loved motorcycling across the country seeing the bluebonnet runs and much of God’s beautiful creation.

Joe had married before and had 4 kids. Diana had married before and had 3 kids. Then in 1986 fate would bring these two together. Story has it that Joe had written a hot check to MSystem where Diana worked in the office and he had gone there to try to take care of that slight error. He saw Diana and said he fell in love with this beautiful woman on the spot. She on the other hand wasn’t so sure. Diana thought, “That’s all I need is someone known for writing hot checks.” Joe gave her his number anyway “just in case” his check came back but the bank had already run it a second time and it cleared. Joe asked Diana out for a cup of coffee. She said, “No!” Being quite forward, he then asked if she would like to fly to Dallas with him and one of his co-workers and ride back to Midland on their new Goldwing motorcycles. Again, she said, “No!” Three weeks later, Diana, still having his phone number from the check incident, decided to call him. They talked on the phone for four hours!! They discovered they had much in common; had lived some of the same places, worked some of the same places and she even knew his parents from Westside Church of Christ where Joe’s dad was an elder. She thought, “this guy can’t be all that bad if his dad is an elder.” They finally had that cup of coffee and were married six months later. They enjoyed many trips on that motorcycle traveling to Ft. Davis and the Colorado mountains, camping, hiking and just growing more in love. Joe and Diana were happily married for 35 years and 3 months. They both said, “some of the best years of their life!” One day they will again hold hands while walking those streets of gold. In sickness and in health, Diana never left this gentle giant’s side until he was able to leave his disease ridden earthly body and walk into the arms of Jesus saying, “See you later, sweetheart.”

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Alma DeNoon, in 1996 and his dad, Nelson, in 1998. Joe is survived by his kids, Cindy Wessling and husband Rick of Wichita Falls, TX, Lisa Ellison and husband Randy of DeSota, MO, Rodney (Kirk) DeNoon and wife Marianne of San Diego, CA, Kylie Rhoden and husband Grant of Abilene, TX, Tammi Stokes and husband Bob of Odessa, TX, Tanya Welch and husband Shane of Paris, TX, Michael Wallace of Big Spring, TX, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and several cousins whom he loved dearly. Joe will be greatly missed.

The family wants to thank all the nurses that cared for Joe over our 10 day stay at Cogdell Memorial Hospital in Snyder, TX. They are incredible and so very appreciated! A special thanks to Dr. Hough for his compassion and direct care of Joe over the past couple years. We want to thank the 37th Street Church of Christ as well for the love they have shown to Diana and Joe through the years. A private memorial service was held with family while they were here with us. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the Ladies Auxillary of Cogdell Memorial Hospital for upkeep of the Comfort Care Room and to Cogdell Home Health and Hospice. They have helped us tremendously during a difficult time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com