Joe Pat McCracken, 83, of Plano, Texas, passed away on June 25, 2024, entering the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, Joe leaves behind a legacy of devotion, hard work, and cherished memories.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29th, from 6-8 PM at White Funeral Home in Bowie, Texas. The service will be held on Sunday, June 30th, at 2 PM at the First Baptist Church of Bowie, with son-in-law Tom Grace officiating.
Born on December 28, 1940, to Bonnie Mae and Oscar Fred McCracken in Bowie, Texas, Joe graduated from Bowie High School in 1959. He continued his education at Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington) before joining the Texas National Guard. Joe completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, then Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was later mobilized with the 49th Armored Division to Fort Polk, Louisiana in August 1961.
On November 10, 1961, Joe married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) Overstreet. They were blessed with two children: Lori Michelle in 1967 and Stephen Chad in 1971.
Joe's career as a service engineer for Industrial Woodworking Company in Garland, Texas, allowed him to travel extensively. His work took him across the United States and to far-flung locations including New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and Chile. Later, he co-founded a consulting business, continuing his international travels. Before retirement, Joe briefly worked for Kennametal, Inc.
An avid Texas Longhorns fan, Joe proudly attended the last Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry game in College Station with his family in 2011. As the sole Texas fan in a house divided, he never let his family forget the Longhorns' victory that day. Hook ‘em!
Joe's warmth, humor, and love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents James and Mary McCracken and Henry and Sarah Brown; twin sisters Sarah Henry and Sandra Briggs; and infant grandson Stephen Cash McCracken.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Dot; daughter Lori Grace (Tom); son Chad (Whitney); eight adoring grandchildren: Cade, Ty, and Presli Grace; Taelor Martinez (Chris); Emma and Addi Short; and Gracie and Kaci McCracken; great-grandchildren Lyla and Kason Martinez.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, Texas.
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For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
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