Robert Joe Mehaffey
Robert “Joe” Mehaffey, 91, of Woodson, passed away on June 16, 2021, in Hurst, Texas. There will be a graveside service at Clearfork Cemetery, Tuesday, June 29, at 11 a.m. under the care of Melton Kitchens Funeral Home.
Joe was born in Breckenridge, Texas, on April 26, 1930, to Howard and Eddith Mehaffey. He grew up in a large family with nine siblings. A lover of football, he played for Breckenridge High School, Baylor University, and also Hardin Simmons University, where he graduated with a degree in business. Joe served 4 years in the Air Force as a radio repairman. He married Betty Ann Tubbs in 1955 and had three children: a son and two daughters.
Providing for his family was an immense source of pride for Joe. He reveled in hard work, never wanting to stop. He labored in a range of jobs from Texas to North Dakota and back where he then spent decades as an electronics technician with Bell Helicopter. Everyone knew that Joe stood ready to work alongside family and friends on their properties whenever needed.
Joe loved people. Wanting to bring everyone together, he hosted family gatherings at his farm. He never failed to volunteer to cook at barbecues no matter the searing Texas heat. It was Joe who brought a boat to the lake and spent hours taking the kids skiing. He could often be seen sitting on his front porch waiting for someone to stop by for a visit. While living on his farm and in Woodson, he got up early every morning to drive to the “coffee shop” to sit and talk with friends.
Faithful to his family and full of wisdom, he was much loved. He will be missed as he zips about the universe, which was his oft-stated plan for when his life here on this earth was complete.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Eddith Mehaffey, and his wife, Betty Ann.
He is survived by his children, Ty Mehaffey and partner Janie, Jody Mehaffey and partner Bill Horan, and Gina Baker and husband, Chad; grandchildren, Kristie Watford, Chase Baker, Chandler Baker, and Jared Baker; great-grandson, River Watford; sisters, Jenice Bacon and Sue Thompson; brother, Terry Mehaffey; along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial can be made in honor of Joe’s name to Clear Fork Cemetery and may be left at the Melton Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at meltonkitchens.com.
