Joe Mathis Holcombe

Joe" Papa" Mathis Holcombe, 93, passed away on February 19, 2025. He was born in Floresville, Texas on September 12, 1931 to John Porter Holcombe and Lessie Phillips Holcombe. Joe married Claryce Scott and they shared 68 beautiful years together until her passing. He and Claryce built their log home together. They displayed and sold their wares at the Wimberly Flea Market for many years. They camped in their camper vehicles in almost every state of the United States, including Alaska. They were always on an adventure! "Papa and Grandmama loved God, Jesus, their church and their church family very much"
Joe was a teacher, and he taught many years in the community. He was loved and cherished by all who knew him. Joe was a science teacher in the Floresville ISD, He was also teacher of Physics and Electronics at Victoria College in Victoria Texas. He later returned to Floresville as a Special Needs Counselor until he retired. He believed strongly in the education system, Joe held a bachelor's degree in Science Education from Baylor and a Master's degree in Physics from Texas A & M University, he continued his formal education throughout his life and often spent his summers attending classes in various Universities around the United States. He was a private pilot, a story teller, he played the piano, e flat clarinet, and ukulele. Joe loved feeding the birds and wild animals. He was a talented woodworker and always had a building project going. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Claryce Scott Holcombe, his son Bryan and wife Karla Holcombe, grandson, Marc "Danny" Holcombe, granddaughter in law Crystal Holcombe, great grandchildren Greg Hill, Emily Hill, Megan Hill, (Carlin "Brite" Holcombe) and Noah Holcombe, brother John "Jack" Phillips Holcombe.
Papa Joe is survived by his daughter JoCheryl Holcombe, Grandchildren Amber Williams Gaynor, John Holcombe, Sarah Slavin, and Bryan Scott Holcombe, great grandchildren Philip Hill, Reina Holcombe, Ryan Holcombe, Evelyn Hill, Elene Slavin, great grandchild Bryan Scott Holcombe Jr.
Funeral services to celebrate Joe's life will be held at The First Baptist Church in Floresville on Friday, March 7, 2025. Visitation will begin in the morning at 10AM-2PM. A service to celebrate the life of Joe will begin at 2PM and interment to follow at the Floresville City Cemetery.
As an alternative to flowers please feel free to buy a dedicated book for the local library, place a bird feeder outside and feed the birds, plant a tree, or donate to your church or favorite charity.