Joe Cone

Joe was born November 8, 1946, in Mercedes, TX. His mother, Sydna Pauline Bounds Cone, died when he was 11 years old, and his father L. B. Cone died in 1979. Joe was the third of six sons and was preceded in death by: Bobby Jackson, Paul Cone, George Cone, and Lester Cone.

Joe worked hard from an early age. From ages 8 to 11 he had a paper route. The next three summers he earned his spending money picking cotton in the fields near Driscoll, TX. He worked as a bellhop, and an elevator operator. By age 15, Joe had moved out on his own, supporting himself working as a cashier/night manager at Young's Restaurant, while attending high school. He graduated from King HS in Kingsville, TX, in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April 1966, qualifying as a Sharpshooter (216 w/M14) and was trained as an ONTOS Crewman. He often said his vocabulary and ability to type changed his assignment and saved his life. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning the rank of NCO (Corporal E-4) and receiving an Honorable Discharge. His service awards include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 2nd tour cluster), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. He was proud to serve his country. Upon returning home, he attended Texas A & I University, Kingsville, studying the arts, before relocating to Austin, TX, in 1969.

He spent 13 years working for Northeast Lumber Co. (Div. of Nash Philips/Copus) progressing from assembler to office technician. Later he was with Round Rock ISD Food Service for 10 years. While serving as kitchen manager at Cedar Valley MS, he was acclaimed as the "Question Man" for challenging students with daily trivia questions in the cafeteria. In 2002, he accepted work with the Capitol Metro Special Transit Service as a sedan driver, where he enjoyed driving the elderly, handicapped, or other Austin citizens with unique transportation needs. He retired at the end of September 2009.

Joe was always there for family and friends, and his word could be counted on. He was a life-long learner and his knowledge of facts relating to the Civil War was a constant source of amazement to others. He had a tremendous love of Shakespeare and classic poems, many of which he could quote from memory. He loved to sing ballads or folk songs, and listen to classical music. He also spent many joyous hours battling over the Scrabble board with his friends. He worked with stained glass and was a gifted carver of both wood and stone. He liked to work outside and loved the dogs and cats that shared his home.

Joe was married on June 25, 1983, in Austin, TX, to Rosemary Horton. At the time of his death they were a month shy of their 27th anniversary. He said, "Marrying Rosemary was the best decision I ever made." Rosemary felt the same way about Joe, loving him with all her heart and soul, "He was a wonderful husband, the best of friends, and a truly good man."

Joe is survived by his wife, Rosemary H. Cone of Austin, TX; brother, Daniel and wife Sissy Cone of Taylor, TX; nephew, James and wife Nina Etheredge; F.W. (Joe) Horton (father-in law); brother/sister-in-law, Darryl and Marcia Smith; sister-in-law Nicki Cone; nieces/nephews - Amanda Rivers, Joseph Smith, Charles Rivers, Misty Cone, Nell Cone, Michael Cone, Tim Cone, Melissa Wilson, Jamie Cone, Brittiny Krieg; great nieces/nephews - Amanda, Macey, Austin, Zachary, and Dale.

A Memorial service to celebrate his life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5th in the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home Chapel, North Lamar.