Joe was born November 24, 1946 to Roland and Carrolle Rome, and raised in Rosenberg. He was a 1966 graduate of Lamar High School, where he loved playing both baseball and basketball. After studying business at Southwest Texas State University, he returned home to help his father run the family business, Stafford Auto Supply.
Joe later became owner of Stafford Auto Supply, which he operated for over 40 years. He was proud that his store often served as a gathering place where he would not only sell auto parts, but also dispense advice, stories, history lessons, and strong opinions. He considered himself blessed to serve behind the counter with faithful employees who were also treasured friends.
Additionally, Joe enjoyed giving back to his community, and any drive through Stafford reveals the impact of his commitment. He served on the Board of Directors for the Stafford Economic Development Corporation for 23 years and spent more than 25 years as an officer for the Stafford Planning and Zoning Commission. He played a crucial role in the development and construction of the Stafford Centre and enjoyed attending many performances there. He also served on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Agricultural Mechanics Committee for a remarkable 33 years. Joe loved to see students from schools across the state develop confidence and job skills through the projects they developed and built for competition.
Joe was also an avid fan of boat racing, specifically outboard hydroplanes. He served in leadership roles with the Lone Star Boat Racing Association and the American Powerboat Association, and he was a racing referee who officiated both National and World Championships. What Joe loved the most about boat racing were the lifelong friendships with people he met through the sport. It was through his association with boat racing that he developed a love and appreciation for the music of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, yet another area in which many who knew him considered Joe an expert.
Joe is survived by his wife, Karen Rome; daughters, Christy Rome of Austin, and Shannon Dasbach and husband Grant Dasbach of Brookshire; and son, Chris Taylor and wife Brandy Taylor of Spring. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lauren Krolicki and husband Tyler of Tomball, Kade Taylor, Kash Taylor, Gage Dasbach, and Gavin Dasbach and great-granddaughter Kori Krolicki; as well as numerous cousins and many dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.
The interment will follow, via funeral procession to Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Rosenberg.
The family expresses thanks and gratitude to all who supported him through this trying time and the friends too numerous to list who kept him in prayer. Memorial donations can be made to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Agricultural Mechanics Competition.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family at www.earthmansouthwest.com.
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