Joe F. Urbis

Joe F. Urbis, age 82, of Robstown, formerly of West, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2007 in Robstown. Graveside services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday November 29, 2007 at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, with the Rev. B. George officiating. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Joe was born on May 1, 1925 in Abbott, the son of Mary and Joe J. Urbis. In serving his country, he joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Joe attended Hillsboro Junior College where he played football and earned Little All-American honors. He then accepted a full athletic scholarship from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where he played football before graduating. After graduation he was drafted by the world champion Detroit Lions. He then became a rancher and worked in the cotton gin industry in the Central Texas area. Later he moved his family to Robstown where he co-owned the Robstown Gin Company with his family. Joe taught at Lotspiech Elementary and coached at Robstown High School in the early 1960's. In 1966, he accepted a coaching and teaching position at Calallen I.S.D. where he remained employed until his retirement in 1990. Joe was an avid sports fan and loved fishing. He had a great passion for life and enjoyed helping his fellow man. He was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Robstown, the Robstown V.F.W., and the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn Mazanec Urbis of Robstown; two sons, Richard Urbis and wife SuZanne and David Urbis and wife Kathi; one daughter, Joan Teel and husband Dennis; six grandchildren, Karleen Pape and husband Kyle, Joe A. Urbis, Julie Urbis, Lorraine Urbis, Sarah Teel and Margaret Urbis; two great grandchildren, Cameron and Carson Pape; two sisters-in-law, Rosalee Urbis and Josephine Urbis; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.