Joe Lynn Eklund

Joe Lynn Eklund was born on April 18, 1941 to Albert & Stella Eklund in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas in 1959. He joined the United States Marine Corps on April 2, 1962. Joe married Sue Pinheiro in September 1964. When he was on the ship heading to Vietnam he was offered an administrative position as a supply clerk. He told the officers that were offering him this position he respectfully declined because (in his words) that wasn't what a real Marine was made to do. The next morning they called all the Marines into formation on the deck where Joe was promoted to Sergeant. On April 18, 1966 (his birthday), while in Vietnam, he was preparing to go out on patrol and he heard a voice tell him to button up his flak jacket. He turned to his men and asked which one of them had said that and all of them denied saying anything. Just as they were leaving to go out on patrol, Joe stopped and buttoned up his flak jacket, which he never did. While on patrol they were ambushed and Joe caught shrapnel from a grenade in his chest area and in his left arm. As he was being lifted out he told his men he would be right back, but that was not to be the case. Joe always said that he knew it was the Lord who told him to button up. He said if he hadn't done that he would have died that night and would have spent all of eternity in Hell. He was shipped back to Camp Pendleton in California. While in the hospital he was able to meet his his daughter, Debbie, for the first time. After several surgeries and a time of rehabilitation, the medical review board placed him on the Temporary Disability Retirement List. While he was on this list he and his then-wife Sue welcomed their second child, Michael Christopher in March 1968. He stayed on this list until February 28, 1970 when he received an Honorable Discharge. After his time in the the Marines Joe went to work for Texaco Industries as an accountant. Joe trusted in Christ at Wilcrest Baptist Church in Houston. It was at the church that he met the woman who would change his life and eventually become his wife, Vivien. They were married on June 18, 1981. In this marriage Joe gained two additional daughters, Dianna & Delia. In 1990, Joe and Vivien moved from their home in Houston to New Waverly, Texas. Joe continued to commute into Houston to work at Texaco. He retired from Texaco and by this time they were living in Huntsville, Texas. Vivien passed away from her cancer battle in August 2004. To occupy his time Joe volunteered at his church as a Sunday school teacher, and as a deacon. He also did accounting for churches and for the Gideons. He was an avid square dancer and loved to spend time with his dance partner and special friend Marie Brim. Joe loved to travel, especially with his son Mike. One of the most meaningful trips was when he and Mike flew to Vietnam and he was able to visit the very sites he had fought on years before. Though his last days were difficult due to his condition, he always had a smile and looked forward to whoever stopped by to see him. Joe was one of the most sincere, kind and thoughtful people you could ever meet. He always thought of others more than himself. He passionately loved his family and was so proud of them. Most importantly, he was a true follower of Jesus. He always shared the good news of Christ with anyone who would listen. He was loved by so many and he will be greatly missed! He is preceded in death by his wife, Vivien Eklund, his father Albert Eklund, his mother Stella Cass, his stepfather, Edwin Cass, his brother Bobby Eklund, his sister Sarah Eklund. Survived by daughter Debbie White of Dripping Springs, Son Mike Eklund and wife Shannon of Austin, Texas, daughter Dianna Kennedy and husband Joseph of Longview, Texas, daughter Delia Ramsey and husband Tim of Huntsville, Texas. Sister-in-law, Janis Eklund, Nephew, Mike Eklund and wife Debbie of Oklahoma. Grandchildren: Devin & Cassie, Grant & Danielle, Dayne, Cameron, Garrett & Allie, Mykenna, Christopher & Jessie, Zac & Melissa, Connor & Kailey, Jenna, Brenton, Neil & Katelyn, Nick & Kendall, & Clayton Great grandchildren: Conor, Greyson, Aubree Sue, Carson, Ella, Blane, & Luke, Avery, Oliver, Blake, & Brooks. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Fellowship of Huntsville Church, with services starting at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will follow at Gourd Creek Cemetery out of New Waverly, TX. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.

Joe Lynn Eklund

April 18, 1941 - August 12, 2022