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Dr. Joseph Eltidge Thigpen

Dr. Joseph Eltidge Thigpen obituary, Haskell, TX

Joseph Thigpen Obituary

Dr. Joseph Eltidge Thigpen HASKELL-Haskell's beloved Dr. Joe, Joseph Eltidge Thigpen, passed away April 16, 2013, in College Station. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 19, at the First United Methodist Church in Haskell with Dusty Garison of Abilene officiating. Burial will be in Willow Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes of Haskell. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the First United Methodist Church. Born Sept. 30, 1920, in Bay Springs, Miss., he was the son of Dr. Joseph and Victoria (Medlin) Thigpen. At 16, he graduated from Bay Springs High School, and at 20 he earned a degree in biology from Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. He worked in banking until enlisting in the Air Force in February 1942. Following flight school, he spent 22 months in Panama before being stationed in Managua, Nicaragua. While on R&R leave in Tyler, he met Beunis Ratliff of Haskell who was visiting her aunt and uncle. Four months later, they married on Oct. 19, 1944, in Tyler. Capt. Thigpen and his bride moved to Muskogee, Okla. where he trained in the new P-38 airplane. When he completed his training, his wife returned to Haskell, and he was shipped to the Pacific with the 41st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron to fly P-38's. His tours included Hawaii, Johnson Island, Kwajalein (Marshal Islands), Okinawa and Guam. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Air Medal with one Bronze Star and the World War II American Victory Medal. After the war, when others called him a hero, the humble aviator said that the real heroes were the ones who didn't get to come back home. Following his discharge from the service in 1945, he graduated from the University of Mississippi and was accepted to Baylor Medical School in Houston, graduating in 1950. Dr. Joe moved his family to Haskell in 1951 to serve as a general practice doctor to four generations, where on a slow day, he saw only a 100 patients. With four children and a thriving medical practice, time was precious and sacrifices were many, but his commitment and care for his patients endeared him to his community. In recognition of his many years of dedicated service, he was named Haskell's Citizen of the Year in 1994. The Texas House of Representatives honored him on March 5, 1985, as the Doctor for a Day. But recognition was not something he sought. For him, there was no greater honor, no greater mission, no greater profession than serving his patients. A wise and compassionate general practitioner, his broad and diverse knowledge of medicine was surpassed only by his understanding of his patients' needs. From delivering babies to delivering medical advice, he treated his patients as if they were his family. Dr. Joe continued to make house calls long after most doctors had discontinued the practice. Just as he received a legacy from his physician father of nurturing families from the youngest child to the oldest adult, Dr. Joe passed a medical legacy on to his family. Daughter Anita is a registered nurse, daughter Emily is a registered pharmacist, and grandson Ross will finish medical school in May. He was especially proud when Texas Tech University named its nursing school the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing in 2008. Known as Big Daddy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was also known for taking his family on spontaneous flying trips whether to Ruidoso or, on a Sunday afternoon, a quick trip over the Palo Duro Canyon. He not only flew fast, but he also drove fast, often passing every car on the road while all four kids yelled, Don't do it, Daddy! When the family was looking for him, Dr. Joe could be found at his office, playing dominoes at the gin, golfing with his friend Dr. Kemp or washing the windshield of his Piper Comanche airplane. In later years, he welcomed his adult children home with a twinkle in his crystal clear, baby-blue eyes, and the question, What can I do for you today? Dr. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jarman, and twin sisters Jeanette Ulf and Anita Yelverton. In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by one son, Joseph of Austin; three daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Dr. Tom Hairgrove of College Station, First Lady Anita and Gov. Rick Perry of Austin, and Emily and Vincent Solis of San Antonio; seven grandchildren, Joseph Justice Thigpen of Gardendale, Jodi and husband Jason Trammell of Fort Worth, Ross Hairgrove of San Antonio, Griffin Perry and wife Meredith of Dallas, Sydney Perry of Austin, Claire and Isabella Solis of San Antonio; and two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Jenna Trammell of Fort Worth. Pallbearers will be Ross Hairgrove, Dr. Tom Hairgrove, Griffin Perry, Gov. Rick Perry, Vincent Solis, Joseph Justice Thigpen, Joseph Thigpen and Jason Trammell. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in the name of Dr. Joe E. Thigpen to the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing, 3601 4th St. MS 6238, Lubbock, TX 79430.

Published by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on Apr. 19, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Thigpen

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My prayers are with your family. He was a great man and your family is in so many of my memories growing up. I wish you all the best in life.

Randy Phemister

April 23, 2013

Dr Joe was an amazing physician, he literally saved my life twice, influenced my decision to go into medicine and was just an all around good man.. He is missed.

Michele Vaughan

April 22, 2013

Dr. Joe was a very special man, there will never be another Doctor like him. He made you feel you could ask him anything and if he didn't know the answer he would find someone who did.He will be forever missed.

Janis McDaniel

April 19, 2013

I worked with Dr. Thigpen at the Haskell Hospital in the 1970's and he was wonderful. I know he will be missed.

Dell Rumley

April 19, 2013

Debbie Maines

April 19, 2013

He is truly "one of a kind". The memories are endless. The world has lost the presence of a true gem. We are praying for the Thigpen family.

Rebecca Holt Russell

April 19, 2013

Dr. Joe was an amazing man with the most striking blue eyes that twinkled when he spoke. I will always thank him for diagnosing my mom when the docs at the med school couldn't figure it out. He was much, much more than a simple country doctor. He was brilliant and our medical community could use a bunch more just like him.
God bless the Family of Dr. Joe Thigpen.

K Melton

April 19, 2013

Dear Sister, Joseph, Peggy, Anita and Emily,
Joe was a wonderful man and we know you will deeply miss him. We are praying that you will feel God's strong presence and comfort.
We love you,
Norma Golden
Linda and John Tuller
Gordon and Vanessa Golden

April 19, 2013

To all the family of "Dr. Joe" from three generations of Klutings that he took care of so compassionately, we pass our condolences and prayers to you. There was never a time when Dr. Joe was not available to take care of our family who would drive from Aspermont knowing that whatever the problem, soon it would be better because of this wonderful man. From cancer, burns, injuries and delivery of babies every instance of our contact with Dr. Joe rushes back to our memories in such a special way. May the family have peace in knowing this true hero of the "Greatest Generation" was truly one of a kind, never to be duplicated. Know that he now sits beside our Lord whom he served so well. From all the descendents of the late R.D. and Martha Kluting.

Robert Kluting

April 19, 2013

Dr. Thigpen, I never knew you or met you to my knowledge, but I read your obituary in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal this morning. Sometimes there are people, although not celebrated in the media, who need to be read about, just because the life they lived was so very special and full of serving and giving. Your life, sir, is a testimony to how everyone should live and give. It sounds like to me that you left nothing undone, and a legacy that will live on and inspire others for generations to come.

Rusty Hudelson

April 19, 2013

My daughter was one of the last babies delivered by Dr. Joe. He was a great doctor and very caring person. May God give his family peace at this time.

Betty Parker

April 19, 2013

Dr. Joe was our doctor for many years. He will be greatly missed.

Ida Crane

April 19, 2013

Dr Joe was a special person, a special friend, a special Doctor and served the Haskell area including my parents in a very special way. He once told me that he did not like to go to funerals because people did not show their emotions enough. I hope many prayers were said and many tears shed at his service for him.
Jim Medley, Garland, Texas

April 18, 2013

with deepest sympathy. my mother flo nebhut loved working for him. he will be missed.

April 18, 2013

What a wonderful sweet man he was and will be greatly missed. I have so many great memories of him and will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time.

Stephanie Solomon Surgenor

April 18, 2013

Dr Joe was our doctor for many years.
He was such a good person and doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

Sammy & Mildred McFadden

April 18, 2013

Dr. Joe was one of the best. Praying for the Thigpen family.

Lane Murphy

April 18, 2013

May God Bless you all. On behalf of the Cunningham Family we thank you for sharing your Dad with all of us.He delivered two of my children and my first grandchild and was a friend as well as our Dr.

Oleta Cunningham Del Valle

April 18, 2013

What a great legacy this wonderful doctor and friend has left for his family. When Dad (Burl Darnell) had a severe heart attack, Dr. Cadenhead, wanted Dr. Joe to treat him, saying "he's the best heart man in these parts." Our family extends condolences and prayers to the Thigpen family, and may your precious memories and God's grace ease your grief.

Gloria Darnell Willingham

April 18, 2013

Dr. Thigpen helped us raise our five children—alive, especially the three boys. The Tom Barnett family is eternally grateful.

Lee Barnett

April 18, 2013

Dr. Joe was always so kind to my family, even when they couldn't pay immediately. He delivered me in 1957 and was my doctor until I married. Blessings on his family.

Sharra Sampson

April 18, 2013

Gone but not forgotten.

Patty Payne

April 18, 2013

The love Dr. Joe had for his patients was extra special. My family loved him and will be forever grateful for his love and care of us. May God wrap you all in his arms and provide you with comfort and peace. Keeping the entire Thigpen family in my prayers.

Tina Lacey

April 18, 2013

Dr. Joe was our family doctor and frien. It saddens me to hear of his passing. He was one of a kind whose medical skills exceeded many specialists in the big cities. I offer heart felt sympathies to his family. Dr. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.

Ken Glass

April 18, 2013

Dr. Joe was our doctor for many years, and his compassion and concern for his patients will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with your sweet family.

Ben & Sue McGee

April 17, 2013

I am so sorry to hear Dr. Joe has died. He was a great doctor and saved my family many times. How do I say goodby adequately?

Betsy Nanny

April 17, 2013

We are so very sorry for your loss! He was an exceptional man who touched many lives! He will be missed by so many! My thoughts and prayers go out to Sister and their entire family during this sad time!

Tabitha (Coker) and Wade Pierce

April 17, 2013

Such a sweet man! Was my doctor from birth until I was grown! I never forgot those beautiful blue eyes! Sending prayers for the family!!!

Angie (Neely) Woolf

April 17, 2013

Though many years have passed since he delivered my two beautiful daughters, he will always be remembered. Of all the physicians I've seen throughout my life, Dr. Joe has and always will be my favorite doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Ann Summers

April 17, 2013

Dr. Joe was more than just our Doctor he was a friend. Delivered all our children. There with us the whole time with David's ALL. Our love and prayers to all the family. Think of all your often. Emily stop by any time you come through Mason. Love to each of you. Blue and Merilan Sue Holt, Mason, TX.

April 17, 2013

When we found out we were going to have our firstborn and living in Dallas, I made the monthly checkups back to Haskell because I only trusted Dr. Joe. Before,during and after delivery we talked basketball because he thanked me for delivering on time as he had a basketball game to attend (probably little Joe 's) He gave me the best advice that I passed on to my kids. "Always remember you were a wife (husband) before you were a parent." That advice served us well. Dr.Joe never failed to make house calls if my parents needed him. Grateful and blessed to have known such a wonderful doctor. We are praying for the family and his many friends.
May God bless you all.
LaVern and Lonnie Sturdy
Class of '62

April 17, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thigpen family. Dr. Joe was a great doctor, family man and patriot. We will cherish our memories of him forever.
Larry and Frankie Beauchamp, Lawn, Texas

April 17, 2013

Dr Joe was one of the most caring and understanding persons that I have ever known. I have wonderful memories of all the house calls he made to our family while the boys were young. He was a treasured friend . My prayers are with all the Thigpen family during this time. Evelyn Cobb. Haskell,Tx.

Evelyn Cobb

April 17, 2013

Are prayers are with the family. Dr. Joe was our doctor while we lived in Haskell, a wonderful man is now with his God.

Wendel & Peggy Jones

April 17, 2013

Dr. Joe was my families doctor and my family's friend. He was a wonderful doctor but more importantly he was a wonderful man and a friend. I'll always have the scars where he sewed me up on many occasions. God Bless the family and know that he is in the place we all strive to go.

C. O. Holt, Jr.

April 17, 2013

Dr. Joe was beloved by the entire town of Haskell--such a caring man who always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye. I feel honored to have known him and and his lovely family. May your memories of him comfort you at this time of loss.

Susan Wainscott Jones

April 17, 2013

Dear Thigpen Family -
My deepest sympathy to each of you. Our family loved Dr. Joe, he was one of a kind. As I read his obituary, I was brought to tears when I realize something truly amazing. The first question he asked me EVERY TIME I saw him (from the time I was a child until the last time I saw him in 2002). He asked me, "when's my birthday"? I must admit, I didn't always remember. I lost my husband 5 years ago, I have since remarried and today I realized Dr. Joe & my husband have the same birthday! I will never again forget Dr. Joe's birthday. God gave me a great gift today.
Love & Prayers,
Julie Burson Bell Gazinski

Julie Gazinski

April 17, 2013

What a legacy! I was so honored to know Dr.Joe during his decades of service in Haskell. You will always be remembered for your kind and generous heart.........Dana Bland Gibson

Dana Bland Gibson

April 17, 2013

Dr. Joe will always be one of those "special" people in my eyes! The entire Thigpen family is and will be in my prayers. Ya'll truly had an amazing daddy!

James Crawford

April 17, 2013

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