Joseph LaStrape

Joseph LaStrape, 73, went to glory on Sunday, June 2, 2013. His family was with him at home when he took his heavenly journey. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 7, at New Road Church of Christ, 3100 S. New Rd., Waco, with Brian Gochenour officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr.

Joseph was born in Lafayette, La.; his family moved to Beaumont, Texas, when he was very young. Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1950s. He loved his country and served with distinction for 31 years.

He had the privilege of serving as an elder for 15 years at the congregation in Oceanside, Calif. He again served in that capacity for the New Road congregation in Waco, from August 2006 until he was called from labor to reward.

When Joseph obeyed the gospel, he worked with untiring devotion in the Lord's church. Becoming a Christian as the Bible commands was the most important aspect of his life. He did not shy away from opportunities to declare the saving message of the gospel. He did what he could to encourage those who were struggling to stay faithful. He knew and understood that obedience to the gospel and living a life of continued faithfulness is the only hope of glory.

He met the love of his life, Marilyn Jean McGuire, in San Diego, Calif., where they were married in 1972. To this union Elgin and Anthony were born. Joseph spoiled his wife, children, daughters-in-love, and grandchildren the entire tenure of their 41-year marriage. He never ceased to amaze them in the ways he spoiled all of them. When plans were made to eat out, they all knew if he was going, the cost of the meal was ALWAYS on him! If he was not going, everybody decided they would go home!

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Elgin LaStrape Sr.; his sister, Mary Payne; and his brother, Andrew LaStrape.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn LaStrape of Hewitt; his sons, Elgin LaStrape and Anthony LaStrape; his daughters in-love, Julie LaStrape and Lizette LaStrape; his grandson, J.W.; and his granddaughter, Ashlyn, all of Waco; his mother, Beatrice LaStrape; three sisters, Catherine Benson, Theresa Tory, and Virginia Jones; one brother, Elgin LaStrape Jr.; and numerous relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

The family extends a heartfelt "thank you" to Joseph's doctors, D. Crawford Allison and Ofobuike Okani who worked tirelessly to preserve his quality of life over the last seven years.

Online guest book at www.pecangrovefuneral.com.

September 7, 1939 - June 2, 2013

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