Joseph Walter Emery

Joseph Walter Emery passed away peacefully at home on October 15,2022 after a battle with cancer. He knew he was wrapped in prayer sent by many friends and had his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 14, 1940, to the late Joe and Mildred (Simpson) Emery. He was raised in Sterling City Tx, where at an early age he developed his appreciation of lifelong friendships, the value of hard work, the importance of family, and good food makes you happy.

After Joe graduated from high school in Sterling City, he went to Texas Tech University. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Tech in 1963, he returned to Sterling City and took a job that would define both his career and his life. He started working in a restaurant. After a long day in the kitchen, he stopped for a cup of coffee at the truck stop in Sterling City; a young, beautiful red head, named Bonnie Gartman, was his waitress. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on September 13, 2022. They had their only child, Stephanie Jo Emery on April 27th, 1969.

Joe, along with Bonnie, ran and owned restaurants in San Angelo for the next 30 plus years, including The Shrimpboat (Jackson House), resulting in regular customers and a dedicated staff becoming dear friends. Emery’s Eatery, which was open for breakfast and lunch, and finally he and business partner and lifelong friend, Bill Davis, opened Emery’s. Joe would often come out of the kitchen wearing his signature white apron and briefly join friends and family that were enjoying “good food.” He also found immense pleasure razzing the staff with his sarcastic, fun-loving humor. Joe was also head pitmaster for the annual West Texas Boys Ranch Benefit Roping that was held in Post, Texas. He, Bonnie, and Stephanie served thousands of plates of barbeque for a cause that was dear to his heart.

Joe’s family was his pride and joy. He worked seven days a week without a complaint so that they could have the best life possible. He made sure he took time to share family meals, usually in the kitchen or at a tucked away table. He often made special kitty cat shaped pancakes for Stephanie, and he made heavenly hot chocolate during the holidays. He instilled his love for fishing with Bonnie and Stephanie, and it was always a contest to see who brought home the best catch, but he spent most of his time untangling lines, and baiting hooks, but he didn't care, he was with his girls. He loved them very deeply. When they were happy, he was happy.

Joe Emery left a positive impact on many people during his lifetime. He was a great friend, a great cousin and uncle and son-in-law. He was a great boss and business partner. He was a man of his word, fair, and honest, he led by example. He was the pride and joy of his grandparents, Aunt Alice and especially his mom. He was an amazing husband, and a loving father. He will be dearly missed, but he will remain in our hearts until we are all reunited.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Joe and Mildred Emery, maternal grandparents, Herb and Mamie Simpson, fraternal grandparents, Ollie, and Watt Emery, He leaves behind his wife, Bonnie, his cat, Kitty, their daughter, Stephanie Emery, Grandpups Hank, Paco and Birdie, a large extended family, and many lifelong friends that he treasured.

In leiu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to West Texas Boys Ranch, or a charity of your choice.

Please join Bonnie and Stephanie as they celebrate their love and the life that they shared with Joe Emery on November 12,2022, at 2:00pm, at Harper Funeral Home, San Angelo, Texas.