Joseph "Joe" Frank Semlear

Funeral service for Mr. Joe Semlear, 83, of Kilgore, will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, with Reverend Scott Schulik officiating. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery in Longview. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Joe Semlear was born on May 29, 1940, in Marshall, Texas, and passed away on January 9, 2024, in Tyler. Joe worked for the Brookshire's Grocery Company for 46 years, retiring as the Store Director of Brookshire's of Kilgore. He enjoyed working on word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, along with playing horseshoes. Joe was a big sports fan, following the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals. He was an active member of Mobberly Baptist Church since November of 1969. He was involved in the Kilgore Historical Preservation Society and Kilgore Community Concerts. Joe loved his family and will be greatly missed by them.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Yvonne Semlear; son-in-law, Kevin Eddington; and brothers, Jack and Richard Semlear.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jo Semlear of Kilgore; daughter, Angela Eddington of Longview; son, Jonathan Semlear of Austin; grandchildren, Seth Semlear and wife Marissa of Longview, Abel Eddington of Kilgore, Brody Eddington of Longview, and Presley Weaver of Austin; great-granddaughter, Gracie Eddington; Sister in law Linda Semlear, and several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oasis Project Mobberly Baptist Church, 625 E. Loop 281, Longview, Texas 75605