Joseph Floyd Hetrick

SAN JUAN – Joseph Hetrick, known as Joe, daddy and granddaddy, left this world Saturday evening April 20, 2024 to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Barbara, his beloved wife of over 70 years. Joe resided his entire life in San Juan where he was born November 10, 1928 on the Hetrick homestead, Steward Road, San Juan, Texas. He is survived by his daughters, Ann (Mike) Hempel, Lynn (Rusty) Barlow; sons, Frank (Frankie) Hetrick, Mike (Myrlo) Hetrick; grandchildren Jamie (Marissa) Hempel, Mandie (Micah) Robles, Matthew (Fran) Hetrick, Megan Hetrick, Macie Hetrick, granddaughter-in-law Skye Hempel (wife of Danny); and great-grandchildren Timmy Hempel, Paisley Jo Hetrick, Miles Robles and Rowan Hempel; brother David Hetrick; and sister Charlotte Hancock. Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Hetrick; parents, J. Floyd and Sarah Maybel (Hancock) Hetrick; along with his first-born grandson Danny Hempel. Joe graduated high school from Pharr-San Juan- Alamo ISD; then furthered his education at The University of Texas at Austin, attaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. Soon after, he and Barbara were married; Joe went to serve in the United States Armed Forces where he spent time in Europe helping the reconstruction effort as a mechanic. After two years active service he transferred to the United States Army Reserve and came home to the Rio Grande Valley, where in 1954 he and his lifelong friend Donald Barber founded their business of Hetrick and Barber, Inc. Their company became a well-known successful Air Conditioning & Electrical Contracting firm that serviced many prominent businesses from one end of the valley to the other. Joe, as the operating partner, mentored many employees and family members by fostering his strong work ethic and teaching his technical skills to all who wanted to learn. In 1994 Joe’s son Mike purchased Don’s interest and became partners with his dad. Joe, a pillar of the San Juan community, not only as a local business owner; a member of the City of San Juan Volunteer Fire Department (he was on a ladder truck with a fire hose after the Virgen de San Juan del Valle Shrine was struck by a plane); a Director of the San Juan State Bank, as was his father, which through name changes and acquisitions is now PNC Bank; and was constantly involved in numerous community services and events. Providing for his family was the most important goal in Joe’s life, not only financially but also participating in family events. Busy as he was, Joe and Barbara always found time for their children; camping on South Padre Island; building an airboat to take them fishing; participating many years in 4-H, FFA and school projects, which included building animal shelters and raising a variety of animals and other ventures; or just loading the family up to go for a Sunday drive. The passion to see the country took him and his family, children and grandchildren on road trips; over the years they covered thousands of miles and many states visiting State and National parks, historic sites and points of interest; one trip was an iron pour that ended in Alaska. However, he did have one other close passion. Hunting! Joe with his close friends went on annual hunting trips to West Texas and New Mexico where they shared camaraderie, campfires and collected many trophy deer that adorned the business office; culminating with a trophy bull elk he harvested on a trip to Utah. The love of the outdoors led him to purchase “Serenity Ranch”, a place where his family and friends spent many years enjoying Joe’s annual Quail and Steak dinner. He watched four generations of family spend time hunting, fishing, relaxing, sightseeing and enjoying the outdoors, as much as he did. He also took pride in watching his grandchildren learn to hunt. In his later years Joe turned responsibilities over to others to relax a bit; he liked working crossword puzzles with friends at the office; going to the daily coffee club meeting; and enjoying the San Juan Supper Club for Thursday night dining. The Hetrick family wants to give special thanks to McAllen Transitional Care Center. Where Joe went to reside in 2022 shortly after Barbara passed. Sincere thanks to the entire staff for their compassion and comforting care. The center became a second home to the entire family. In addition thanks to Teresa, who not only helped at the family business but became beloved friends of the family helping care for Joe and Barbara especially in their senior years. Joe endeared many good friends that became like family because he was a patient, humble, caring, sharing soul. Please know he and his family appreciate all of you who shared his life. Celebration of life service St. Paul Lutheran Church 300 Pecan Blvd McAllen, Texas 78501 Saturday, May 18th 2024 at 2:00pm Reception to follow The family requests in lieu of flowers or personal favors donations be made to the: Danny Hempel Memorial Tuition & Scholarship Fund c/o St. Paul Lutheran Church 300 Pecan Blvd McAllen, Texas 78501 Online at https://stpaulmcallen.breezechms.com/give/online

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Joseph Floyd Hetrick

April 20, 2024