Joe E. Hargrove

Joe E. Hargrove

Joe E. Hargrove

Joe Earl Hargrove, 78, of Crystal City, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at his residence. Joe Earl was born on March 25, 1942, in Uvalde, Texas.

Memorial services were held at Uvalde County Fairplex Arena, Uvalde, Texas, on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at 2 p.m. Cremation under the direction of Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.

Joe Earl is survived by his daughter Melody Hargrove Speer and husband Jimmy Speer, son Billy Joe Hargrove, grandsons Justin Speer and wife Bethany Speer, Cline Speer and Sherida Natho, great-granddaughters McKenzie and Madison Speer, Alyson’s daughter/granddaughter Kate Gourley and Alyson Glasscock, sister Charlotte Crider, brother Neal Hargrove and wife Nancy Kay Hargrove, special friend Alice Rogers, lifelong friend/faithful employee Abraham Gonzales, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe Earl was preceded in death by his parents Homer Hargrove and Verdie Welch Hargrove, wife of 20 years Nadine Shoemake Hargrove and wife Alyson Margret Gourley Hargrove, brother Darrell Hargrove and wife Mary Jane Hargrove, and brother-in-law Larry Crider.

Joe Earl began his career in agriculture way back in his high school days. He began by leaving school during his ag classes to attend the local auction barn to purchase cattle where he would then resale them, becoming a cattle buyer/seller as a young teenager.

His love of buying and selling cattle led to the lease/ultimate purchase of Southwest Livestock in 1967 where he has continued for 54 consecutive years and grown into a very successful businessman, rancher, and mentor throughout South Texas.

Joe Earl’s passion for livestock and giving back was evident when it came to the youth of Uvalde and surrounding counties believing the youth are the backbone and future of our communities. It was always a joy to see these young people excel and be able to do everything possible to see them become successful and grow in the field of agriculture.

Joe Earl’s many accomplishments have included: Special Wagon Boss of West Texas Boys Ranch ~ 1972, President of Uvalde Fair Association ~ 1973, Man of the Year in Agriculture ~ 1977, 4-H/FFA Activities, Vice Chairman Uvalde County Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas, Uvalde County Livestock Association Honorary Superintendent ~ 2007, Dimmit/Zavala Water Improvement District – Present, Hondo National Bank Board of Directors ~ 1993-Present

Joe Earl’s entire life has been built around agriculture and touched many lives as a result. He was truly a man who loved the land, the livestock, and everything it had to offer. He was the strongest advocate for the agriculture industry, great friend to many, and luckily our dad and granddad. We know he’s in a better place with greener pastures, the best horses, fleshy stockers, and one damn fine herd of Brahman Cows. Bet he traded more cattle this past Thursday than we did.

It’s not a goodbye, it’s a we’ll see you later.

Honorary pallbearers are Roy Angermiller, Victor John Niemeyer, Tootie Ilse, Rodney Barrett, Bob Barrett, Robert Smith, Happy Schawe, Ron Baker, Clarence Stephens, Jon Taylor, Jeff Vaughn, Jimmie Raines, Scott Brauchle, M.B. D’Spain, Juan Salinas, Abraham Gonzales. Special thank you to caregivers Angel Cisneros and Esmeralda Zornack.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that memorial donations can be made to: West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Rd, San Angelo, TX 76904 or Uvalde Hospice, 100 Royal Lane, Uvalde, TX 78801

Acknowledgements: The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us during this time of loss. The Hargrove ~ Speer Family

The preceding is a paid obituary.