Joe Thomas French

Joe Thomas French, 59, died Wednesday, April 9, 2008, in Bryan Texas. He was born in Huntsville, Texas, on November 20, 1948, to Sally Cline and William "Buck" French. Joe was raised in Huntsville and graduated from Huntsville High School in 1968, and attended Sam Houston State College. He began his service to the community in 1970, with the Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter. He began his law enforcement career in 1973, with the Huntsville Police Department. In 1977, he was hired as the full time Fire Marshall for the City of Huntsville’s Fire Department. He became Fire Chief of the department in 1978, and retired as chief in 1996. After retiring he moved to Lexington, Texas, where retirement was short. He joined the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and the Lexington Police Department in 1996, and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the police department. He retired from Lexington PD in 2002, and joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Department as a patrol deputy. He retired again for the third time in 2006, and joined the Lexington PD again as a reserve officer until his passing. He was an active member of the State Fireman's and Fire Marshall’s Association where he served as President of the East Texas chapter of the State Fieman's and Fire Marshall's Association in 1985. He was also an active member of the Texas State Sheriff’s Association. During his career he achieved numerous certifications including the following: Commissioned Firefighter in 1977, Intermediate Arson Investigator 1981, Fire Service Instructor II in 1982, Firefighter Inspector in 1990, Master Peace Officer license in 1995, Firearms Instructor license in 2001. Anybody that knew him would know that he had a big heart and gave every bit of it to the communities where he lived. His love was for hot rods, guns, friends and family. He is survived by his wife Rebecca of Lexington; son Raimond Thomas French of Lexington, daughter Joan Marie French of Lexington, son John Thomas French & wife Kari of Huntsville, daughter Heidi Dees & husband Jeff of Tulsa, OK.; Grandchildren include Jacob Thomas French and Jeffrey Thomas French of Huntsville, Hillary Dees of Tulsa, OK. Sisters that are survived by him are Peggy Talley & husband Jack of Sequin, Joyce Park of Houston, Marie "Sittie" Cramer of Hilltop Lakes, Diane French of Houston. Other family members survived by him are, Mother –In-Law, Reba Mae Otte, Brother-In-Laws, Timothy Otte & wife Ann and Jerry Otte & wife Pam, all of Lexington. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by both parents and brothers Carmen French and Robert Park. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 13, 2008, at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Chapel in Lexington from 3:00 to 9:00 PM. Family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Services will be held Monday, April 14, 2008, at 10:00 AM at the Lexington United Methodist Church in Lexington and a second service will be held at 3:00 PM at the Huntsville United Methodist Church in Huntsville and internment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Mayes Addition in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers the family is asking memorial contributions may be made to the Lexington United Methodist Church or the Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Joe Thomas French

November 20, 1948 - April 14, 2008