Joe Patrick Cain

JOE PATRICK CAIN, 92, passed away peacefully after a long and happy life. He was born March 20, 1916 to Patrick Henry Cain and Annie Elstner Cain in Austin, Texas. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Merlene; Daughters, Robin Gaido of Houston, Carol Smith and husband, Larry, of Simonton; Sons, Joe Cain Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Douglas Cain and wife, Lisa of Clear Lake City; Seven grandchildren, Matt Smith and wife, Amy, Ashley Gaido, Jenifer Transou and husband Scott, Mandy Sisco and husband, Lance, David and Stephanie Cain and step-granddaughter, Erin Hill; eight great grandchildren. Joe and Merlene have resided in the Houston area since 1950. Joe owned and operated three trucking companies until his retirement in 1978. He was a Rotarian and served as President of Lockwood-Clinton Rotary Club in 1964-65. He served on the Board of Northside State Bank and Lockwood National Bank. He was active in Texas Motor Transport Association of Texas and served as State President in 1971-72. He was named Man of the Year of that organization in 1968. Joe organized BATTLE-Bus and Truck Transportation Legislative Education in 1968 and served as its Chairman from 1966 to 1969. In 1972 Governor Preston Smith appointed Joe a member of the Texas Mass Transportation Commission and was lauded for his service to the State of Texas in 1975 by President of the Senate W.P. Hobby. Joe attended the University of Texas, was a Life Member of the University of Texas Ex Students Assn. and a Gold Member of the College of Business Administration Graduate School of Business Century Club. Joe and Merlene travelled the entire United States in a motor coach after his retirement and made trips to many parts of the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. Joe's greatest pride was his service in the United States Marine Corps. He joined the Marines in 1940 and attended Platoon Leaders Class in summers while attending the University of Texas. During WWII he served in the Caribbean and on Guam in the Pacific while training for the invasion of Iwo Jima. He survived Iwo Jima and was on the high seas in route to the invasion of Japan when the Japanese surrendered. His Company continued on to Sasebo, Japan for the occupation. He visited the ruins of Nagasaki before returning to the United States. He was honorably discharged in the rank of Major. Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 11:00AM Thursday with the Funeral service beginning at 11:00AM at Klein Funeral Chapel, Champion Forest, Rev. Mark Klein officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later date.