Joe Lynn Soape's Obituary
Joe Lynn Soape, 82, of Longview, went home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2010. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment will before the memorial service at 1 p.m. at the Rosewood Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 Friday evening.
Joe Soape was born on August 18, 1927 in Carthage, Texas to Joseph W. and Grace Soape. A World War 2 Navy veteran, he was proud to serve his country. Soon after graduating from Baylor University in 1949, Joe went to work with Eastman Kodak Co. In August 1951, he married Helen Ruth Musick of Kingsport, Tennessee and they moved to Longview. Joe was a part of the start up team at Texas Eastman Co. where he retired after 35 years of service. Joe has been a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Longview since moving in 1951, nearly 60 years of faithful service. Following retirement, Joe and Helen traveled with the Volunteer Christian Builders, building churches all over the U. S. and even into Canada. Helen preceded him in death after almost 55 years of marriage. He has been an outstanding example of love, devotion, faithfulness and kindness to all who knew him.
Joe is survived by three children: Lynda Keeling and husband Keith of Carthage, TX; Larry Soape and wife Kathleen of New Braunfels, TX; Leslie Russell and husband Danny of Dallas, TX. Also, seven grandchildren: Andy Keeling and wife Sarah of Nevada, TX; Sarah Sebazungu and husband Sylvain of Irving, TX; Joel Soape of Longview, Wallis Soape and Samuel Soape of New Braunfels, TX: and Jennifer Russell of Waco, TX. Also surviving Joe are two great-grandchildren and one step great grandson: Joanna Sebazungu, Andrew Keeling and Matthew Hawkins. Joe was blessed by many close friends and relatives too numerous to name.
Memorials may be sent to Highway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview hiway80mission.org or to Africa Anchor of Hope in Lewisville, TX africaanchor.org. Africa Anchor of Hope was started by his granddaughter, Sarah.
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