Joseph Fendley Jr.

1943 - 2025

Joseph Fendley Jr.
06/18/1943 - 01/14/2025
Joseph Robnett Fendley Jr. was born June 18, 1943 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Joseph Robnett Sr. and Margaret Hayes Fendley, where they lived with sister Becky until they moved to Houston in 1957. Nicknamed Buddy by family and friends in his early years, Joe developed a passion for the outdoors from his grandfather and father.
In Houston, Joe attended Bellaire High School and afterward Sam Houston State College. He met Mary Elizabeth Jenkins at a University of Houston fraternity party and they married in 1966. Shortly after marrying, Joe was drafted into the Army. Upon his return from Vietnam, he finished his college education at the University of Houston. Joe worked for Drew Mortgage Company prior to starting a private practice, Fendley, Peden & Company. Joe and his business partner Greg Peden shared a close friendship that continues beyond his passing.
Joe and Mary had two sons, Joe III and Michael. Joe coached them for years in team sports and passed on his passion of hunting and fishing to them, something they will share forever.
Joe and Mary spent most of their lives in Richmond, TX where they raised their sons and built their dream home on two acres in 1978. After retirement, they moved to Fulshear, TX in 2014 where they spent many hours enjoying their back patio and watching rabbits, squirrels, ducks and birds at their feeder. Behind the house were ponds where Joe would fish several times a week. In addition to the time in Mary's swing on the patio, retirement was spent vacationing in Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico; watching the Astros (especially during the winning years); fishing with sons; and playing with great-granddaughter Avery.
Joe was very pragmatic and extremely organized in his daily life, creating lists for almost everything while also being passionately generous and absorbed with the few things he chose to prioritize. Family was everything to "Nanny and Papaw," and they loved, taught and nurtured their kids, grandkids, and great-granddaughter, influencing them forever. Family, of course, includes the many furry members of the Fendley's over the years.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Mary, who passed away in February 2024, two days prior to their 58th wedding anniversary. Joe treated her like a Queen, and he joined his soulmate in Heaven on 01/14/2025. Their ashes will be mixed with their beloved dog Beau's and spread in Breckenridge, Colorado. A small amount of Joe's ashes will be spread in his favorite fishing spot in Galveston, affectionately known as Papaw's Cove.
Joe is survived by Joe III and Serena, Michael and Susan; sisters, Becky and Brownie; sister-in-law, Martha; grandchildren, Lauren, Joseph IV (Ty), Brooke, Kayla; and great-granddaughter, Avery.