Joseph Glenn Kurth

Joseph Glenn Kurth, 95, of Houston, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. He was born on March 1, 1916 in Lufkin, Texas to Roy W. and Gertrude Kurth. Joe attended Lufkin High School and Southwestern University. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1939, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII from February 8, 1941 to February 26, 1946. As a captain in Patton's Quartermasters Corps, he commanded the 833rd Gasoline Supply Company in France from 1944-1945.

Joe was employed in the lumber business and together with Weldon Walker formed the Walker-Kurth Lumber Company in 1952. He was a director of the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Houston and served as President for the Houston Lumberman's Association.

Joe served many years on the board of directors of Lufkin Industries, Lufkin National Bank and First City Bank of Houston. As an avid golfer, he was a member of Braeburn Country Club.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Cordelia; and his brothers, Roy and Robert Kurth; and Frances' son, Richard Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Frances Kurth; his son, Joseph G. Kurth, Jr. and wife Sharon; his daughter, Kay Kurth Owen and husband Mark; Frances' son, David Wilson and wife Sharon; his grandchildren, Joseph Kurth, III and Kimberly Kurth, Scott, Elizabeth and James Owen, Catherine Yarbrough, Maggie Wilson and Roc Wilson; great-grandchildren, Liam Owen and Addison Yarbrough; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 2 PM on Monday, June 20, 2011 in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. A private graveside service will be held in Lufkin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joe's honor to the charity of choice.