The Lord saw fit to bring into the world Joe Kenneth Arp on August 5, 1931 as yet another testimony of His Mercy and Grace. Joe was born to Albert and Ruby Arp just outside of Vernon, Texas. Joe was born into a large family, which included two brothers and five sisters.
Albert and Ruby played a vital role in shaping Joe’s early life, teaching him the value of hard work and devotion to his family. He grew up on a farm in Vernon, Texas, and it was in those early years of his life working on the farm, that he had the privilege of contributing to the needs of his family. It was also in these early years of his life that he attended a revival with his sister and committed his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In 1949 he moved to Brownfield, Texas, where he was introduced to Lena Bearden, who was a close friend of his sister, Jean Arp. After a short time, the two of them became engaged, and in 1952, while still in Brownfield, they were married. Immediately following their marriage, Joe enlisted in the service and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, with his wonderful wife right by his side. During his four years of military service in Fort Hood, he served his country as the head of the armory and a talented member of the military’s boxing team
Following his years of service, Joe and Lena experienced the birth of their beloved son, Billy Joe Arp, and shortly thereafter, Joe accepted a job with Higginbotham-Bailey, which brought them to Kerrville, Texas as their new home. It wasn’t long before Joe’s honesty, hard work, and integrity placed his name among the top sales persons for the company. Joe enjoyed his work in the dry goods industry, and it was this interest that led him and Lena to start their own business, Joe’s Western Wear. Their business enjoyed a great deal of success, becoming very well known in the Country and Western clothing industry for more than twelve years.
In his later years, Joe and Lena moved to Midland, Texas, which became their home for many years. Joe continued his sales successes there, working as a sales associate for several years in the motorcycle industry. Also during their time in Midland, Joe and Lena found their true calling, serving others as managers for a luxury apartment home retirement community. Joe and Lena’s love for bringing joy to the lives of others in the retirement community soon led them to move to Brownwood, Texas as their permanent residence, while traveling as needed to manage various apartment communities.
Joe’s life was marked by joy, honesty, a love for people, and commitment to his family. In God’s infinite plan and purpose, He saw fit to take Joe home on July 9, 2012. By faith in Christ and His redemptive work on his behalf, Joe was looking forward to being with His Lord and Savior. He is survived by Lena who he loved for almost 61 years; his son Billy Arp and wife Brenda of Early, Tx; grandchildren Eric Arp and wife Jennifer of Austin, Tx, Chelsea Arp of Austin, Tx, Joshua Crowder of Early, Tx, Jenny Holster and husband Josh of Brownwood, Tx, Jessica Crowder of Coleman, Tx, and two great grandsons Caleb Arp and Lyric Crowder. He is also survived by his two sisters, Martha Haynie and Tommie Berryhill, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at Heartland Funeral Home, Early, Texas. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening. He will be interred in the Eastlawn Memorial Park.
