Mr. Joe Frank Metcalf

Joe Frank Metcalf passed away at 4:50 a.m. on October 19, 2013 at the age of 71. He was the son of Andrew and Ara Metcalf of Panola County. Preceding Joe in death was his parents and granddaughter Emily McCracken. His devoted wife, Willena “Willie” Fay Metcalf of 43 years, survives Joe. They were married in Marshall, Texas on February 6, 1970. Joe Frank Metcalf is lovingly remembered by his children: Sherry Stone Simpson of Longview, Texas, Brenda Stone of Tatum, Texas, Bobby Stone, Jr. of California, Patty Stone of Kilgore, Texas and daughter Kim Metcalf Permenter of Tatum, Texas. Joe is survived by 10 grandchildren: James Howell, Joey Howell, Jon Howell, Misty Roberts, Heather Stone, Dylan Stone, Bobbie Stone, Addison Maxwell, Hannah Nipp and Chloe Permenter as well as 6 great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces and a host of friends. Joe Frank was born in Panola County on May 23, 1942. He graduated from Tatum High School in 1960 and went on to attend Panola College and then earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1967. He worked as a mechanic for Texas Utilities Generating Company for 21 years until his retirement. Joe also served as president and business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2337. Over the years, he was actively involved in the community where he served with the Tatum Athletic Booster Club, Lions Club, Friends of the Tatum Public Library and the Tatum Volunteer Fire Department, Joe Frank Metcalf (Dad, Daddy, Papaw) will be remembered fondly as a larger than life character. He was well known for his ability to never meet a stranger and could “talk the horns off a billy goat”. Joe enjoyed collecting all things, especially bartering for junk from a local sale. On Friday nights, he could be found supporting his beloved Tatum Eagles while cheering the Dallas Cowboys on Sundays. Joe’s love for the Eagles led him to write the only historical account of Tatum Eagle football, titled “How About Them Eagles: A History of Tatum Eagle Football. He knew a little bit about everything and if he didn’t, he would just make something up. Joe was enamored with good books, old western movies, junk mail and an ice cold Coca Cola. Joe Frank loved indulging all the kids in his life with a little “walk around money” and a special occasion root beer. The visitation will be held at Hawthorn Funeral Home in Carthage, Texas on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 in the evening. The funeral service will be held at Hawthorn Funeral Home in Carthage, Texas at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2013 with Jason Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Harris Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tatum Ex Student's Association –Joe Frank Metcalf Memorial Scholarship at Citizen's Bank in Tatum, Texas.

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Mr. Joe Frank Metcalf

May 23, 1942 - October 19, 2013