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Submitted: 10/4/19 • Approved: 10/4/19 • Last Updated: 10/7/19 • R209641-G209640-S3
Valley View lost one of its most faithful fans. Joe Dan Pembroke, a longtime Valley View resident and a staple at Eagle sporting events, passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, at Presbyterian Hospital in Denton at the age of 81. He had been cheering on the mighty Eagles for five decades.
Born on Oct. 8, 1935, in Tyler, Texas, he was the only son of John Cecil and Velma Evelyn Harman Pembroke. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.
Mr. Pembroke’s life changed dramatically the day he saw a beautiful blonde and her sister riding around Gainesville in her convertible. Though later he said all he could see was “hair and teeth,” that big smile caught his eye. He married Jessie Lou Phillips on Nov. 10, 1959, in Carter County, Okla., and they enjoyed 50 years together.
Mr. Pembroke worked for Martindale Feed Mill in Valley View for more than 30 years. He also was the owner/operator of Pembroke Ranch, a legacy he leaves to his children and grandchildren.
Known as Joe, Joe Dan, Joe Danny, Big Red, Dad and Pa, Mr. Pembroke served as mentor and teacher to countless young people through the years. His word was his bond and he was known for his integrity, character, impeccable work ethic and quit-witted sense of humor. Whenever he spoke, it was worth listening.
Though an only child, Mr. Pembroke became the patriarch of a large and loving family. In his younger days, he earned respect as a tough rodeo rider, but he could also cut a rug with his favorite partner, Jessie Lou. He enjoyed dominoes with his brothers-in-law through the years and met weekly with his cousin, Bud Pembroke, to solve the world’s problems. But few things gave him greater joy than watching his kids and, later, his grandkids representing the Eagles on the field, court and track.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Eberhart officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview cemetery under the direction of Meador Funeral Home, Gainesville. Grandsons Jessie James Pembroke, Tell Harrison, Kirk Schniederjan, Joe Don Pembroke, Reece Callihan and River Callihan will serve as pallbearers. Lewis Paul “Bud” Pembroke will be an honorary pallbearer. No visitation is planned.
Mr. Pembroke was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and daughter Dana Jean Pembroke.
Survivors include sons James Pembroke of Abilene and John Pembroke of Valley View; daughters Ellen Schniederjan and husband Tim of Gainesville and Le’Ann Callihan and husband Mark of Gainesville; 11 grandchildren: Krisha, Jesse, Joezy, Tell, Kelli, Julie, Kirk, Savanna, Joe Don, Reece and River; six great-grandchildren: Daphne, Case, Brittin, Jaxson, Hayes and Charlie Ann; and countless friends.
Jessie Lou Pembroke, wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Sept. 15, 2010 at Pecan Tree Health and Rehab Center.
Jessie Lou was born March 2, 1932 in Gainesville to George and Daisy (Neely) Phillips. She married Joe Pembroke Nov. 10, 1959 in Ardmore Okla. Mrs. Pembroke was a homemaker and a member of the Family Life Church.
Graveside services for Jessie Lou Pembroke are at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 at Fairview Pavilion with Pastor Larry Eberhart officiating.
Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Clement-Keel Funeral Home.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Pembroke of Gainesville; sons, James Pembroke of Gainesville and John Pembroke of Gainesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Dana Pembroke of Gainesville, Ellen and Tim Schniederjan of Gainesville and LeAnn and Mark Callihan of Denton; sisters, Audra Blagg of Gainesville and Frankie Stowe of Colleyville and eleven grandchildren.
Contributed on 10/4/19 by dshw
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Record #: 209641