Joe Jeter

Born in Cooper, Texas, Joe’s life was dedicated to family, faith, fun, and a low golf score. He was married for 74 wonderful years to his loving wife, Mary Lou Jeter of Tira, Texas, who passed away 2 years ago. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised a close-knit family, which includes their cherished children Randy Jeter and Jill Jeter. He was a loving grandfather to Travis Houston, Chelsea Jeter, and Alyssa Jeter, always bringing fun times and supporting their dreams. He served in the US Army and deployed to Korea.

Trained as a chemist, Joe had a fulfilling career first at Kraft Foods and then in the research department of the Temple Veterans Administration where he eventually became hospital administrator. Truth be told he accepted the job at the Temple VA because they had a golf course. Golf was his happy place. If he wasn’t playing a course, he was hitting practice balls or honing his putting indoors in bad weather. He became known in the area as a top golfer, scoring 3 hole-in-one trophies during tournaments.

All sports drew him in as it was common for him to be watching the Dallas Cowboys while recording another football game on VHS, with an earpiece listening to a baseball game simultaneously. He was thrilled to see the Texas Rangers win the World Series in 2023. He could whack a ping pong ball and put a spin on it. When something excited him he would exclaim, “Hot diggity dog!” He also played guitar, ukulele, and tried his hand at songwriting. At retirement he decided to pursue his long dream of acting. He took classes, got an agent and appeared in several shows including Walker Texas Ranger, a Willie Nelson movie, and appeared in a TV commercial with presidential candidate Bob Dole. He then backed off of acting, quipping that it was cutting into his golf time.

Joe was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and never hesitated to help a person in need. He attended activities of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed traveling to family vacations that created memories to last a lifetime.

Joe is survived by his children, Randy and Jill, and grandchildren.

He is preceded by his wife Mary Lou, his parents, Joseph “Sammie” and Mozelle Jeter and his brother Don Jeter. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he enriched.

Family will have a private ceremony in Tira, Texas at a later date.