Joe Dale Barbee

Weslaco- Joe Dale Barbee, 90, went to be with his Lord, Jesus, on Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Weslaco after suffering many years from Parkinson’s Disease. Joe graduated from Weslaco High School in the class of 1942, after which he joined the Army Air Corp. He rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant as a P-38 Pilot in the 12th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 13th Air Force in the Philippine Islands and New Guinea. After WWII, he graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Horticulture and Entomology. He was part-owner of Barbee-Neuhaus Implement Company for 42 years. He was a member of the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Board, a Lifetime Member of the Confederate Air Force, and was active in various Agriculture Committees in the Rio Grande Valley. He enjoyed a life-long passion for Agriculture and Aviation and was instrumental in the development of the Weslaco Airport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Terry and Cora Douthit Barbee. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Loretta Chenik Barbee; their two children, William Terry (Joella) and Susan Elizabeth McClure (Charles); four grandchildren, Brent Barbee (Candice), Tracy Barbee Bullion (Miles), John McClure (Mary) and Jesse Bishop; and four great-grandchildren, Mrinal Alfred and Kaladon Barbee, Lila and Luke McClure and expecting a fifth this summer. Also surviving Joe is his a sister, Zoe Gray and her three daughters, Zana Sherry, Patrice Sherry and Kendell Aaronson, with nephews, Shay Piecek, Justin Aaronson, Seth (Roe) Aaronson and Rebecca Aaronson.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to his wonderful caregivers, Connie Mata, Luis Reyna, Nelda Cardoza, Alex Valdez, Thelma Cardenas, Anna Benavides and Hortencia Silva.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. His funeral service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 706 S. Iowa in Weslaco, with Pastor David McCann officiating the service. Interment will follow at Weslaco City Cemetery located at 1001 S. Illinois Ave. Military graveside rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post #7473 of Elsa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Aurora House, 2646 W. 18th St., Weslaco, TX 78596. Sign the online guestbook at www.mccalebfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.