Joe Moss

Joe Wesley “Pete” Moss was born in Alpine, Texas, on December 3, 1930. He was the eldest of two children to Edna Mae and Joe Moss.

As a child, Joe helped his parents at the local “Moss Meat Market” and was responsible for many chores on the family farm. The football team captain and FFA President was voted “Class Favorite” at Alpine High School. He enlisted in the Navy after graduation, working as a clerk at bases from California to Guam. Joe returned to Alpine after he left the Navy and enrolled at Sul Ross State College, where he famously told his accounting professor that he could do his work in pen rather than pencil, “Well, I don’t make any mistakes!” While there, Joe prayed that God would lead him to a faithful woman to help him get on track, and the very next day he met the love of his life, Marlene Browning.

Joe and Marlene wedded at First United Methodist Church in Alpine, Texas, on June 11, 1955. They truly embodied their marriage vows – for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and in health - and loved each other deeply, “Always.” They truly were partners in all aspects of life. Marlene, Joe will “see you in the morning.”  The couple has three children – Jeanne Ann, Joe, and Lisa. Joe was a supportive “Dad” from their birth until his passing and served as a father-figure for others. The depth of his love, forgiveness, and support for his children knows no bounds. His son Joe Marlin considers Pete to be his best friend, Lisa was always Daddy’s little girl, and he was immensely proud of the way he could rely on Jeanne Ann.

A former friend offered Joe a job opportunity with the El Paso Natural Gas Company, which took the young family to rural New Mexico. An opportunity for better pay and benefits brought the family to Odessa, TX, where he worked as an operator at the Shell Refinery until his retirement in 1989. Joe would often tell us that “God provides, and things just work out sometimes”, but God used Joe as a helping hand behind the scenes through his numerous part-time jobs. Joe enjoyed sports throughout his life, both as a participant and as a spectator. He held Permian Football season tickets for many years, participated in a bowling league, and loved discussing football and basketball. Joe particularly loved the game of golf – both playing it and sleeping through televised tournaments – and he taught both his son Joe and his son-in-law Ray Walthall the game. Joe also loved “gadgets” of any kind. He was an early adopter of devices like computers, Game Boy, the internet/ email, video calling, and even Instagram and Spotify in his later years!

Joe’s faith in God was his enduring characteristic. Joe was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Odessa. He served as President of the Builders Sunday School Class and as a church greeter and was an avid participant in the Spice of Life group. Reflecting his appreciation for eagles, Joe’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

Joe treasured family, particularly his responsibility as a “Papa” to his four grandchildren. He was highly involved in all of their lives. Without fail, Papa attended various school performances, piano and dance recitals, band and orchestra concerts, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey games, track meets, cheerleading events – any and all activities his grandchildren participated in. With his calm and consistent presence, he became a surrogate grandfather to many of our friends as well. Papa was extremely protective of his grandkids, always threatening to “send out the bombers” when things didn’t go their way. But, when “bombers” couldn’t fix things, he provided a safe space and a listening ear, and the sense that everything was going to work out. Hearing Papa say “That’s good” or “I’m proud of you” has been one of life’s greatest compliments for all of the grandchildren. Joe doted on his two great-granddaughters, Paisley Michelle Otwell and Audrey Raye Prichard, and was eagerly anticipating the arrivals of Baby Harrington and Baby Lively.

Joe’s family and friends will always remember his generosity, optimism, seemingly endless patience, and his kindness. We loved his sense of humor (remember that skunk in the dorm story?!) and his special ways of making us laugh. We loved his “Papa face!” and we’ll think of him every time we have fried catfish, onion rings, desserts, or sweet tea. We recall his kindness, his thoughtful nature, and most of all, his love. We felt he was “a man without flaw” and we are inspired to continue his legacy.

Joe Moss passed away peacefully on February 28, 2020, at his home surrounded by family. He locked eyes with his wife of 65 years, Marlene, as the preacher thanked God for Joe’s familial and spiritual relationships.

Joe is survived by his wife, Marlene; his three children: Jeanne Ann Walthall (Cheyenne, WY), Joe Marlin Moss (Odessa, TX), and Lisa Lively (John Edmonds, Odessa, TX); four grandchildren: Keri Prichard (Jeremy Prichard, Cheyenne, WY), Kristi Walthall (Dane DeLozier, Boulder, CO), Zachary Lively (Savannah Ortiz, Odessa, TX), and Ashley Lively (Brandon Harrington, Odessa, TX); two great-grandchildren: Paisley Michelle Otwell (Odessa, TX) and Audrey Raye Prichard (Cheyenne, WY); sister Nellie Moss Haynes (San Antonio, TX); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family expresses their gratitude for the support from Home Hospice, Rev. Todd Salzwedel, and Jody Wallin in the final days of Joe’s life.

Visitation will be 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be 4:00 PM, Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at First United Methodist Church.

Pallbearers: Joe Marlin Moss, Zachary Lively, Kristi Walthall, Jeremy Prichard, Dane DeLozier, Brandon Harrington, John Edmonds

Honorary Pallbearers: Jeanne Ann Walthall, Lisa Lively, Keri Prichard, Ashley Lively, John Carroll