Joe Robert Baulch

1932 - 2016

Joe Robert Baulch

AUSTIN, TX

Joe Robert Baulch passed away December 20, 2016, in Austin, Texas. Born in a farm house November 3, 1932, in Howard County, Texas to Joe Melton and Hazel (Greer) Baulch, he was educated in Sweetwater schools, graduating in 1950 from Newman High School. Following four years in the Navy Submarine Service, he completed baccalaureate studies at Southwest Texas State University, and masters and doctorate degrees at Texas Tech University. There followed forty-four years as teacher and administrator at Schreiner Institute, South Plains College, Clayton State University in Georgia, and Schreiner University. In 1961, he married Sarah Nell Elliott in Sweetwater and soon had a family of four children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Fred, and grandparents Fred and Eugenia Myrtle (Cox) Greer, David and Sallie Ann (Ozment) Baulch.

He is survived by his loving wife, sons and wives Clay Elliott and Kathryne Baulch of Quemado, Texas, and Joel David and Paula Baulch of Pearland, Texas, daughters and husbands Sally Annice and Donis Rhoden of Austin, and Amy Helen and Jamieson Mackie of Carlsbad, California, and grandchildren Michael Guerrero of San Antonio, Sarah Brigid and Mattie Olwyn Rhoden of Austin, Kelly Claire Baulch of Pearland, and Harriet Inez Mackie of Carlsbad; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Gisela Baulch of Copeville; and, sister Emma Kathleen Baulch of Dallas.

Throughout his life, Joe loved researching a good story, which was reflected in his passion for history. This passion started with sports and statistics, when he played for the Sweetwater Mustangs and later the SWT Bobcats. The Silent Service was next, and he enjoyed sharing his intimate knowledge of diesel subs from stem to stern. From there, he took an interest in Texas history, and south Texas politics in particular. He parlayed this quest of education into family and career, and hoped to simply pass along a desire to learn in a peaceful coexistence. In his later years, Joe conducted extensive genealogical research, presented papers to the West Texas Historical Association, wrote some Texas historical markers, donated his time and resources to helping those in less fortunate circumstances, read a little more, and loved on his grandchildren. He could always be counted on to talk football statistics and swap west Texas stories with his brother and sister every Thanksgiving.

As per his wishes, there will be no service or memorial; just a family get-together for a special meal and story-telling. Joe championed the acquisition of noted Texas historian Ernest Wallace's library to the Archives and Special Collections of the William Logan Library at Schreiner University. Any memorial gifts can be made in behalf of Joe Baulch, Professor Emeritus of History, to the Special Collections at Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Boulevard, CMB 6229, Kerrville, Texas 78028.