Joe R. Kilman

Joe Kilman, 91, died quietly at home in San Angelo, Texas on November 25, 2025. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Joseph Ray Kilman, Jr. was born on September 28, 1934, in Temple, Texas, to Dr. Joseph R. Kilman, Sr. and Sara Kilman (Forrester), and spent his childhood in Temple.

Joe married Linda Stark Kilman on November 26, 1960, and together they shared 65 years. He earned a BBA from Baylor University in 1957 and went on to graduate as Class President from the University of Georgia School for Executive Development. He also graduated from the Mortgage Banking School at Southern Methodist University and completed further studies at Indiana University’s Graduate School for Savings and Loan Associations.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1962, Joe started his career managing two branches of Oak Cliff Savings & Loan in Dallas. In 1971, he moved to San Angelo to become Executive Vice President of First Savings & Loan, then advanced to President & CEO of First Texas Savings in San Angelo and Lubbock in 1974. Later, he joined Central National Bank in San Angelo as Senior Vice President, and in 1991, founded Kilco Financial Services. From 2010 to 2025, Joe served on the Board of Directors at The Bank & Trust of Del Rio, Texas.

Joe dedicated much of his life to civic engagement. He was active in San Angelo Industries, Inc., serving as both board member and President; he also served as President of the Angelo State University Ram Club from 1978-1979. Joe held many leadership roles including ones at West Texas Boy’s Ranch, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, and the San Angelo YMCA. Throughout his career, he contributed to numerous non-profit boards in Richardson and San Angelo, including the San Angelo Symphony, Rotary Club, and Richardson Texas Jaycees—where he was honored as outstanding Chairman for Texas Jaycees in 1970. Joe and Linda were also honored by the Nathan Donske Scholarship Award given to Angelo State University. Professionally, Joe was involved with the San Angelo Homebuilders Association and the Texas Bankers Association, serving as Chair of the Marketing Division from 1987 to 1989.

A passionate golfer, Joe belonged to the San Angelo Country Club for 54 years, serving as an officer, board member, and Past President of the Men’s Golf Association. Joe was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.

Joe’s greatest joy was his family. He is is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda; their children Carol A. Kilman, Karen Shannon, Buck & Kelly Kilman, and Sharon & Mitch Lane; six grandchildren—Lindsey Clines (Seth), Kelsey Settles (D.J.), Logan White (Tommy), Jamey Lane, Mitchell Lane (Addison), and Emily Kilman; and eight great-grandchildren—Hayden, Calvin, Blakely, Hallie Jo, Weston, Maverick, Penelope and Thomas. Extended family members and many lifelong friends, including his golf group, breakfast and coffee groups also mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Joseph Ray and Sara Kilman, grandparents — John R. Kilman and Alice Ray Kilman, H. LaClede Forrester and Irene McCarty Forrester — and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo and Visiting Angels for all of their help and support in the last month of his life.

The family will have a private service in December and a celebration of life in the New Year. Those wishing to honor Joe’s life may make memorial donations to West Texas Boys Ranch, Angelo State University Ram Club or Hospice of San Angelo.