Joe Thomas Lovell

Joe Thomas Lovell passed away February 25, 2025, at the age of 95. He peacefully died at his home in Claude with his daughters by his side.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held Saturday, March 8, 10:00 a.m. at the Robertson Funeral Home Chapel in Clarendon.
Joe was born October 1, 1929, at the beginning of the Great Depression, in Ashtola to Benjamin Reed and Reta Eudora Poovey Lovell. His long life was an exemplary example of faith, integrity, hard work, generosity, and an overwhelming love for his family.

He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1946, Clarendon Jr. College in 1948, and then received a BBA degree from SMU School of Business in the spring of 1950 at the age of 20. Soon after he graduated from SMU, the Korean War broke out. Joe joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to an auxiliary ship stationed at Sasebo, Japan. He assisted in processing U.S. Military troops that were being shipped to fight on the front lines. After one year, he attended Officer’s Training School at Newport, R.I. and became an officer with the rank of Ensign. Joe was assigned to the U.S.S. Menifee, an attack transport ship, and served three years in the Operations Department. A notable assignment was transporting the Indian troops to Korea to act as peacekeepers during the prisoner exchange, then acting as the Flagship for the prisoner exchange at the end of the war. At one point, Joe was the only officer abord that could “break” the top-secret coded messages. When the war ended, he chose to be released from active duty but stayed in the Navy Reserve until discharge in 1981 with rank of Lt. Commander.

Joe then returned to the Texas Panhandle and began working at Farmers State Bank in Clarendon in January of 1955. In addition to banking, opportunities allowed him to branch into a little farming on the side. In the early 1960s, his job at the bank also led to a wonderful, unexpected introduction (through mutual friends) to Shirley Nelson from Claude — who would become his steadfast partner for over 6 decades. Joe became an integral part of the bank and enjoyed a 43-year career until retiring in 1998 with the position of Senior Vice President and Trust Officer and Director. Joe had also obtained a Texas Real Estate Broker License in 1968. After leaving the banking industry, he began working in the real estate business full time. Never missing a beat, he then opened a real estate office in Clarendon and soon thereafter, an additional office in Claude.

Joe’s greatest joy and pride in life was his family. He and Shirley married in 1963, and Claude soon became the community where they chose to raise their family and further their involvement in the farm and ranch business. They were blessed with two girls: Leah Marie and Sheila Jo. Words cannot express the unwavering and unconditional love and support he had for his family. Joe had a passion for preserving the heritage of his home — representative in his love of western art and the history of the Texas Panhandle. Joe was full of joy when spending time with family and working or recreating in the outdoors. He and Shirley enjoyed many memorable times with family and friends that will forever remain in our hearts. His legacy will touch lives for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Nelson Lovell of Claude; daughter Leah Gregory and husband Mike of Rociada, New Mexico; daughter Sheila Jenkins and husband Kevin of New Braunfels, Texas; grandson Grant Gregory and wife Katie (and great-granddaughters Clare Joe and Sloan Kay) of Trementina, New Mexico; grandson Sam Gregory and wife Shelby of Hartley, Texas; grandson Ben Jenkins of Mesa, Arizona; grandson Gabe Gregory and wife Laney of Rociada, New Mexico; granddaughter Brooke Jenkins of New Braunfels, Texas. He is also survived by nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends of whom he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ben (1998) and Reta (1995), and his brother James Reed (2023).

Joe’s life was a testament of faith, family, resilience, and optimism. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering sense of purpose. His deep wish was that all family and friends keep a smile on their face and silently say, “thanks for the memories.”

Joe desired to extend warm thoughts and appreciation to dear friends Mary Lois Finley and Kirstin Farren, and the caring hands of BSA Hospice of the Southwest.

He also requested that memorial donations be sent to Claude EMS.