The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Griggs Schooler Gordon Funeral Home Pioneer Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10 am in the Hillside Christian Church Chapel, 6100 S. Soncy in Amarillo, with Mike Nuthman presiding. Interment will follow in Llano Cemetery.
Joe was born on September 18, 1932 in Channing, Texas to Albert and Frances Lovato. He graduated from Channing High School and soon after married Mary Duckworth. The two were together for more than 30 years before divorcing. Even after divorce, they remained very close friends. He joined the United States Army in 1954. He saw active duty in Germany during the Korea Conflict before being discharged. Upon returning home, he began work at the Bivins-Coldwater Cattle Company. Over the next few years, he pursued many other endeavors before finally retiring from Pantex after 26 years of service. During the time of transition, he met and married Deanna Faith Dawson in 1982. Deanna would precede him in death in 1992. Joe was an avid camper. He had a love for his Dallas Cowboys, and arena football; especially his hometown Amarillo Venom. For the better part of 20 years, he could be found square dancing in the old Cow Punchers Association building. His greatest hobby however, was buying, selling, and trading vehicles. He attended Hillside Christian Church for 17 years.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his second wife Deanna, and a very special friend, Marlene Sexton. Those left to cherish his memory are his fur babies Sissy and Little Bit, his sons Len Lovato and wife Rita of Wichita, KS, Roger Lovato and wife Sandra of Amarillo, Steve Dawson and wife Christy of Bushland, and Shane Dawson and wife Amanda of Ft. Worth; his daughters Teresa Lovato and wife Tracey of Amarillo, and Lisa Dawson-Muro and husband Gilbert of Amarillo; his brothers Christy of Channing, Tommy and wife Linda of Ft. Wayne, IN, Albert and wife Carol of Las Vegas, NV, and Will and wife Terri of Sheldon, MO; his sisters Nancy Armbrewster and husband Eldon of Amarillo, Linda Bell of Amarillo, Laura Ward of Las Vegas, NV, Louise Burch of Channing, and Bobby Wilham and husband Ron of Ft. Worth; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial donation be to a charity of your choosing in the name of Joe Lovato.
