Joe Frey

Joe Frey, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away July 7, 2008. A lifelong Stephenville resident, Mr. Frey was born on Graham Street in 1909 to John W. and Bessie Bell Frey. After attending John Tarleton Agriculture College, he graduated from Baylor University in 1930. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was employed by Clay Lumber Co., which became Clay Building Material Co., for 35 years, serving as auditor and then General Manager of the chain of retail lumber yards. Frey served in WWII from 1944-46 as an U.S. Navy officer in the Asiatic-Pacific area. He joined the Stephenville Lions Club in 1946, and served as President, Zone Chairman, and Deputy District Governor of Lions International; he was recognized for 50 years of Lions Club membership. Mr. Frey also served as Director, Lumberman's Assoc. of Texas, 1954-67; President, Reserve Officer Assoc.; Director and Vice President, West Texas Chamber of Commerce, Abilene; and Director, Stephenville Chamber of Commerce. In 1906 his uncle, W.H. Frey, and his father John W. Frey, organized Farmers National Bank, later known as Farmers First National Bank. Joe Frey was named a member of the board of directors in 1939 and served for 40 years. Three generations of the Frey family served on the Stephenville City Council. His grandfather, John A. Frey, for whom Frey Street is named, served in 1876. His father, John W. Frey, helped secure brick streets in 1929. While serving on the city council in 1954, Joe Frey was chairman of the Building Committee for the City Hall and Fire Station. In 1999 Frey cut the ribbon to open the extension of Frey Street. Mr. Frey married Elaine Holt, and they had two children. Their son, John, died in 1964. Mrs. Frey preceded him in death in 1994 after 60 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death are his brothers: Henry Frey, who was killed in action in WWII, and Frank Frey. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Dick Koch, and two grandchildren, Jurgen Koch and Claire Koch, as well as two nephews and three nieces. Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, July 11, 2008 at the East Memorial Cemetery in Stephenville with Dr. Dan Murray officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Stephenville Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Texas Lion Camp for the Equestrian Center, P.O. Box 290247 Kerrville, Texas 78029