Joe Bob Studer

1972 - 2021

Edinburg - Dr. Joe Studer, Ph.D. went to be with the Lord on Wednesday after battling CHF, December 29, 2021, in Edinburg, Texas.

Joe Studer was born on December 27, 1972 in DeQueen, AR to parents Robert and LaVon Studer. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK receiving his Doctoral degree in Chemistry.

He married Ludivina "Ludy" Avila from Donna, Texas in 2002 and moved to Edinburg, Texas. They both were professors at South Texas College teaching chemistry. With great passion, he taught and encouraged many students to see science through a different lens.

Joe was a very active member of the American Chemical Society and was an officer for the local South Texas section for many years. He was an advisor for the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club throughout the years. He assisted with the Chemistry Club and always participated in their Toy and Canned Food Drives and enjoyed volunteering in the community.

Through his love of science and tinkering with all things mechanical, he inspired his two nephews, RJ and Homer Daniel to pursue degrees in Engineering and his niece Brianna to pursue her degree in the medical field. They are forever grateful for his love and support throughout their lives.

Joe was a no-frills kind of guy that lived his life observing, taking notes, helping his family, and traveling with his wife. He enjoyed new challenges, like beekeeping, woodworking, and metal work. He had a passion for inventions and anything science. He enjoyed the Martial Arts where had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and also trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was an avid movie goer, his favorite being Die Hard. He was always up for a game of chess and made sure the nephews knew that he was never going to "just let them win." Sometimes his niece, Isabella, reluctantly asked him to play a game of Uno or pick up sticks because he would play with that same mindset and she is not a fan of losing. Joe loved a good conversation on just about anything, always interested in the "why" of any topic. He was an avid reader and loved his dogs, especially, Cherokee. Even though his family was many miles away (his parents in Oklahoma and his sister and nieces in the Netherlands), he kept in touch with regular phone calls. He could spend hours on the phone with his mom and dad discussing family, politics, and herbs.

Joe was baptized in 2000 and became a devoted Catholic. He was a faithful believer and became friends with Father Paul Roman. He spent long hours discussing religion, politics, and science topics. Father Paul became one of his closest friends and was with him until the end, providing his last rights and communion.

Joe is mourned by his loving wife of 19 years, Ludivina "Ludy" Avila. His parents Robert and Lavon Studer. His sister, ShaJuan Studer and nieces Ashley and Kaylee Beertema. His sister-in-law, Titina Avila Garcia (Gabriel Garcia) and their children, RJ, Homer D. and Brianna Bazan. His brother-in-law, PR Avila (Sofia) and their daughter Isabella. His nephew Homer Avila III. His in-laws, Homero and Tita Avila.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents. Edith and Benjamin Echols, his paternal grandparents, Gertrude and Raymond Studer, and his brother-in-law Homer Avila Jr., RPh