Joe was born July 11, 1959 in Winchester, Indiana to Ralph Leon Sterling and Beverly Jo Hendrickson Sterling. He graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Management Information Systems. He married Melanie Robinson January 3, 1981 in New Hampshire.
Joe had a lifelong passion for computers. He worked as a System Administrator for Texas Instruments and then as a System Administrator and Lotus Notes Administrator for Acer. Settling down in Temple he worked as a contractor for CSC and Tesco at Fort Hood as a Computer Support Technician.
Joe loved to work with his hands. He was a talented woodworker and craftsman who spent many hours creating custom gifts for his friends and family.
Joe was as blunt as he was kind. Honesty was a core value. Joe cared deeply for his friends and family, always putting others' needs before his own to go above and beyond to help someone. That was just who he was. His confidence and singular personality made him unforgettable and a comfort to all who were fortunate to know him.
Joe is survived by his wife Melanie Sterling of Temple, his daughter Stephanie Michelle Sterling of Leander, his parents Ralph Leon Sterling and Beverly Jo Hendrickson Sterling of Florida, brothers & sister Michael (Kim) Sterling of Colorado, Lee (Colin) Kernan of Massachusetts and Craig (Penny) Sterling of Illinois.
A burial ceremony will be held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Scanio-Harper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. All gifts in Joe’s honor should be made to Veterans Organizations.
There will be an informal gathering at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on Tuesday September 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends will have the opportunity to say a few words in remembrance if they wish.
