Joe F. Bourn Jr.

Joe F. Bourn, Jr., of Leander, Texas, passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on March 19, 1944, in Bethesda, Maryland, to Mary Katheryn Watson and Joe Forest Bourn. The Bourn family later settled in Dallas, Texas, in a home designed by his father, an architect.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Cathy L. Bourn; his brother, Steven L. Bourn; and his sister, Katheryn L. Bodie. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Alden Wilkins (Nicole) Jenny Smith (Roman), Becky Blackhall (Nick), Kristen Pena (Jon), and Carrie Fabris (Andres); and his seven cherished grandchildren: Chloe, Ava, Liam, Lucas, Sydney, Lilian (“Lala”), and Peyton. He chose each of us as his children and encouraged us to remember parents who had passed on. He is preceded in death by his previous wife, Nancy Jane Michaelis Bourn, and his parents, Joe and Mary Katheryn Bourn.

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from North Texas State University in 1971. Joe dedicated over 30 years of service to State Farm Insurance, working in the Life and Health Department at the regional office in Austin, Texas. He was a Certified Financial Planner, a Chartered Life Underwriter, and a Fellow of the Life Management Institute.

Joe and Cathy were married on April 21, 1985, and shared a life filled with love and laughter. Joe will be remembered for his sharp wit, generosity, keen intellect, and tenacity. Affectionately known as “Mr. Dictionary,” he always had the perfect word for any occasion. A passionate World War II history buff, his fascination began when he received a German helmet (apple green, slick finish) as a gift.

Also known as Mr. Joey, Daddy Joe, Dad, Pop, and the “king of the deal.”, whether at an estate sale or Dillard’s, he taught his family that the worst anyone could say was “No.” Negotiating was part of the thrill, and he delighted in the hunt for new treasures. Joe loved tinkering in his garage, especially restoring vintage fans—his favorite T-shirt proudly read “Fan of Fans.”

Early on, Joe was a notorious practical joker. His mischievous times with friends led to his gift of story-telling, made even better by the joy he took in telling them—often laughing so hard he’d clutch his chest in a dither.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral home followed by a graveside service in the Garden of Trees of Hillcrest Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial service to be held in Austin, Texas, at a later date.

Pallbearers: Lieutenant Colonel Curtis Arrington, Nicholas Blackhall, Steven Bourn, Jay Brans, Christopher Bodie, Roman Smith, Alden Wilkins, and Liam Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made in Joe’s honor to his granddaughter Peyton’s Children’s Organ Transplant Association Fund: https://cota.org/cotaforpeytons/. If you wish to send flowers, please consider waiting for the Austin memorial service for logistical ease.