Joe Lyndon Radford was born at home in Oakwood, Texas on July 5, 1947, to Robert (Bob) and Ora Faye Radford.  He passed away on September 10, 2021, in Tennessee Colony, Texas.  He lived and loved every minute of those 74 years.

Joe graduated from Oakwood High School in 1965 and later Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin State University.  Joe was faithful to Oakwood until his death.  He loved everyone and everything about Oakwood.

Joe cherished his family and loved his friends.  He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and was loyal to all he knew.  He found good in everyone.  He never met a stranger and surely never missed the opportunity to talk to someone.

Joe was extremely happy that all of his grandchildren will have college degrees.  Being a school principal for so many years, he valued education and was so proud that his grandchildren did as well.

He loved to hunt, fish, play 42, spend time with his family and friends, and eat homemade ice cream and “real” banana pudding.  He did not mince words with anyone.  He was a peacekeeper and quick to say I am sorry and that he loved you.

Joe was a devoted husband of 51 years, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He is survived by his wife, Frankie Radford; daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Derrick Kaudelka; son and daughter-in-law, Jody and Christie Radford.  Joe had five grandchildren that he adored: Kalli Jo Griffin and husband Jamie, Kolby Radford and wife Kaitlyn, Christian Kaudelka and wife Hana, Lauren Kaudelka, Morgan Worrell and husband Dustin; as well as five great grandchildren, Jacie, Bentley-Wayne, Briar Joe, Maisy, and Harper.  Joe enjoyed his four sisters.  Many family conversations were held regarding him being the only boy with four sisters: Robbie and George Scheel of Bay City, and Carolyn Smith of Houston survive him. He had nieces and nephews that he loved so much.  Each one was special to him.  In fact, the joke was that each was his favorite.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Bob and Ora Faye Radford and sisters: Connie Radford and Lou Hayes.

Friends are invited to a visitation and share memories of Joe from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Rhone Funeral Home.

A funeral service to celebrate Joe Radford’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Jerry Horine, Bro. Jack Smith, and Dan Manuel officiating.  Interment will follow in Tennessee Colony Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kolby Radford, Christian Kaudelka, James Griffin, Royce Hardin, Charles Beckendorf, Worthy Carpenter, Gary Colvin, Phillip Davis, and Kerry Birdwell.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Vaughan, Dwight Franklin, Johnny Keeling, David Mendilo, Rudy Flores, Andy Link, Mike Link, and Alex Rodriquez. 

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Klein and staff for the special attention they provided to him.

Joe prayed daily that his friends and family would all know Jesus Christ as their Savior.  He wanted everyone in Heaven with him.  What a glorious reunion there will be one day.  

Funeral services for Joe Lyndon Radford are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.