Joseph S. Crenshaw, Jr's Obituary
Joseph S Crenshaw Jr. born July 14, 1932 in Marshall Texas, the first born son of Joseph S. Crenshaw Sr. and Loraine Powell Crenshaw, died August 10, 2016 at the age of 84 after a lengthy illness. Joe served in the U.S. Army with the 7th Army Infantry Division attached to U.S. Marine Corp Division for the Inchon, Korea invasion September 15, 1950, during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged October 1952.
Joe married his life-long love Billie Carolyn Wood Crenshaw February 16, 1952 at the First Christian Church in Marshall, Texas. They began their live together in Fort Hood, Texas. They were separated by Billie’s death June 1, 2013 after 61 years of marriage.
Joe was survived by his four children, Joseph D. Crenshaw, Gerald W. Crenshaw Sr., Patricia G. Crenshaw, and Donald M. Crenshaw. He was lovingly called Pop by his grandchildren Angela Hudson, Daniel Hudson, Gerald W. Crenshaw Jr., Scott Hudson, Kasey Crenshaw McKee, Carolyn Crenshaw and Logan Crenshaw, Bryson Crenshaw and Ashdon Crenshaw, and his great grandchildren, Taylor Hallick, Elijah Hudson, Bryce Barnard, Abigail Hudson, Jack Elkins Crenshaw and Rylan Joseph Crenshaw.
A true patriot and American hero, Joe selflessly served the veteran community in East Texas for over thirty years in the capacity of Commander of VFW Post 4002 for several terms. He helped create an honor guard through a partnership with VFW Post 4002 in Longview and Jefferson Post 10373 for the purpose of honoring veterans all over East Texas with a complete honor guard service including a color guard, rifle salute, taps and presentation of a United States flag ceremonially folded with a custom made oak case holder. Joe was known throughout East Texas and particularity Longview for organizing and conducting multitudes of patriotic programs including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, the Longview Independence Day parade, the Vietnam War moving wall, and more, receiving many accolades from community and veterans’ organizations.
Joe worked tirelessly for many years to help scores of fellow veterans navigate the confusing labyrinth of attaining the VA benefits they deserved.
Graveside services will be held at Rosewood Cemetery in Longview Texas 10 am Thursday, August 18, 2016. Arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home in Longview. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate an organization Joe passionately supported.
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