Joseph Earl Senter

Joseph Earl "Joe" Senter of Sachse, Texas, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at age 93. Joe was born to William Lilburn and Nellie Mae Senter in DeSoto, Missouri, on November 2, 1927. He was the last of their eleven children to leave this world, including Mabel, Roscoe, Hazel, Raymond, Harold, Lloyd, Walter, Robert, and two other daughters that did not survive infancy.

To support his country during World War II, Joe worked at a defense plant until turning 18 and could join the military to serve alongside his brothers. He faithfully performed his duties as part of the Army with the 20th Infantry Regiment stationed in Korea until honorably discharged.

Joseph married Melba Spencer on April 8, 1950, and moved to Granite City, Illinois, where he worked at National Lead for 25 years before leaving to work for Boise Cascade until retirement. During his time in Granite City, Joe served at the local Masonic lodge and spent much of his time attending and working local dirt-track auto racing events. He wrote stories for Speed Sport News and won awards for his contributions.

After the last of their three sons departed for college, Joe and Melba left Granite City and purchased a home in Salem, Missouri, to be closer to Melba's relatives and enjoy rural life. However, they eventually moved down to Texas to be closer to their grandchildren, with whom they loved spending time.

Joe had an incredible work ethic and always kept himself busy with home and auto projects. He was the very definition of a good neighbor as he was friendly to everyone he met and was always there to lend a hand.

Joe leaves behind his spouse of 71 years and three sons, Joseph Earl Senter II, Jeffrey Steven Senter, Gregory Scott Senter, and two grandchildren, Nicolas Sebastian Senter and Sabrina Alexandra Senter.