Roll Call Tribute

Joseph (Joe) Willems
Saturday, March 19th, 1938 - Monday, July 19th, 2021

Joseph (Joe) Willems passed away July 19, 2021, in Irving, Texas at the age of 83. Joe’s parents, Belgian immigrants, settled in Carrizo Springs, Texas where Joe was born on March 19, 1938, to Hector and Rachel Willems. Joe graduated from Texas A&M in 1960 and immediately went to work for Texas Employers Insurance Association. Joe’s career advanced rapidly as he was recognized for skillful negotiation, professional work ethic, and accurate analysis of difficult claims. Retiring from Employers Insurance Association as Senior Vice President-Claims in 1993, he pursued his passion in real estate as a broker for 26 years. Joe contributed to the Irving Community as a volunteer for the Friends of Irving Library, serving 18 years as Treasurer. His spare time was spent traveling with his wife, enjoying nature and active adventures on all 7 continents, photography, woodworking, coin collecting, and enjoying watching his favorite teams, Texas A & M and Dallas Cowboys play football.

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Hector Joseph Willems; mother, Rachel Willems; and daughter, Cindy Teal. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 45 years, Marilyn Willems; son, Gary Willems, and wife Geri; son, Jay Willems; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Florence Kittell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss Joe dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00p.m. Friday, July 30, 2021, at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home, 707 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas 75061.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Joe’s name be made to: ACU Foundation, TW Colby Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 29200, Abilene, Texas 79699; or Friends of Irving Public Library www.friendsofirvinglibrary.com.

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