Joe Paul Ethridge

1928 - 2007

KERMIT Joe Paul Ethridge of Kermit died Sunday, December 16, 2007 in the United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls.

He was born April 15, 1928 in Conway, Texas to Pat and Weeta Ethridge.

Joe graduated from Kermit High School 1945 and entered Southern Methodist University where he received a degree in Business Ad­min­­istration. He was a proud member of the SMU Southwest Champion football teams of 1948 and 1949.

After graduation he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers where he played one season. His career was interrupted to serve in the army for two years. After his discharge from the Army, he earned a Masters Degree in Education. He served 33 years in the Kermit Independent School District as coach, teacher, and principal.

He married Velma Schlegel on July 17, 1954. He and Velma were charter members of Zion Lutheran Church. He was also a 50-year member of the Downtown Lions Club, life member of the Texas State Teachers Assoc., member of the Retired Teachers Assoc., member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the SMU Letterman's Assoc., and a member of the Winkler County Country Club.

After retiring from the Kermit schools, Joe served four years as Winkler County Commissioner and also enjoyed farming and raising cattle with his brother-in-law in Young County.

Joe is survived by his wife Velma, his children Joni Person, Todd Ethridge and his wife Joan all of Kermit, Ann Sullenger and husband Sid of Mertzon, Texas, Mark Ethridge and wife Liz of Monahans, Texas; seven grandsons, Patrick Hawthorne and wife Ludy, John and Joseph Pearson, Jacob and Joseph Ethridge, Gunnar and Reb Sullenger; three granddaughters, Jamie Pearson, Emily and Mary Allison Ethridge. His children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Marie Ethridge of Coahoma, aunt Frances Honeycutt of Austin, brother-in-law Melvin Schlegel and wife Tamsey of Archer City and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rob Ethridge.

Honorary pall bearers will be Glen Beard, Gary DeShazo, Alvin Matak, Ken Mays, Bill Mitchell, Bill Mizell, Sam Owen, Roy Peden and Richard Thomas.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2007, in the First United Methodist Church of Kermit. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you give to your favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of the Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Condolences may be sent online at www.fs-fp.com.