Joseph Allan Trial, 88, of Victoria, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2026, while surrounded by family. Joe was born on January 23, 1938, in Beeville, Texas, the second of five children born to William John (Hoppa) Trial and Margaret Ballard Trial.
He graduated from A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, Class of 1955, and later attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. During that time, he met the love of his life, Arline Annette Trlica. The two were married on September 10, 1958, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beeville, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 62 devoted years.
Shortly after their marriage, Joe began working for Baroid, and his career took them on travels across the United States. Two years into their adventure, they welcomed the first of their two sons, Jeffrey Wayne. Determined to provide even more for his family, Joe decided to return to school to pursue a degree in pharmacy. With Arline working to support their family and help put him through school, Joe graduated from the University of Houston in 1968 as a pharmacist. In 1975, they welcomed their second son, Jason Wade.
Soon after, Joe and Arline moved to Victoria to be closer to family. There, they purchased Castle Hills Pharmacy and worked side by side in their family business, serving their community with dedication and care.
In his spare time, Joe loved fishing and hunting. Over the past several years, he had become a passenger on many hunting adventures, always wanting to be part of the success. Joe also enjoyed playing poker with family and friends, as well as trips to the Louisiana casinos with Arline.
After Arline’s passing in June 2021, Joe drew even closer to his family. He became a devoted presence at his granddaughters’ junior high and high school volleyball, basketball, and softball games—often their loudest and proudest supporter. He treasured his daily breakfasts with Jeff, Tuesday movie nights, and dinners with Jeff and Vicki.
Joe never met a stranger. He was known for his warm personality, generous spirit, and the fascinating facts he always seemed to have ready to share—earning him the affectionate nickname “Wikipedia Grandpa.” His kindness, generosity, and deep love for his family left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Joe’s legacy of love, faith, hard work, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, William John (Hoppa) Trial and Margaret Ballard Trial; his brother, William Paul Trial; his sister, Mary Jane Trial Cunningham; and his wife, Arline Annette Trlica Trial. Joe is lovingly remembered and survived by his son, Jeff Trial; his wife, Vicki; his grandsons, Jared, Jacob, and Jonas; his wife, Bailie; and his great-granddaughters, Allison, Harlow, Lylah, and August. Son, Dr. Jason Trial, and wife Kristen, with granddaughters Jordan, Jayde, and Jillian; his brother, Charles Ballard (CB) Trial; his sister Judy Trial Gonzales, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm, Monday, March 9th, at Rosewood Funeral Home in Victoria, Texas, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 o’clock.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, on Tuesday, March 10th, with Father Jonas officiating. Interment will be celebrated at the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, with lunch and fellowship to follow at the Cathedral Center.
Serving as pallbearers are grandsons: Jared Trial, Jacob Trial, and Jonas Trial; nephews: Jon Paul Trial, David Lee Cunningham, Keith Cunningham, Michael Fehlis, and Todd Dawley; and family friend, Michael Sallee.
