Joe Renn

Joe E. Renn, 77, of Washington and the husband of Patricia Renn passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006 at Grimes-St. Joseph Health Center in Navasota. Mr. Renn was born in Washington, Texas on the family farm on November 4, 1929 to Joe F. and Cordelia Bosse Renn. He attended Washington schools and was a graduate of Navasota High School and Blinn College. Except for his years of military service, Joe was a life-long resident of Washington. He was baptized at Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Washington on December 15, 1929 and confirmed at the same church in 1944. Joe was a lifelong member of Friedens Church at Washington where he was president of the church council and served on various other church committees. Joe served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, Joe married Patricia Phillips on December 12, 1954 at Friedens Church at Washington. They made their home on the family farm in Washington where Joe joined his father farming and ranching. Joe farmed cotton and corn and raised cattle in the Brazos River bottom for much of his life. He and his father operated a cotton gin for many years. He also worked for Brenham Heating and Air until the he was elected county commissioner of Washington County Precinct 1. He served as commissioner from 1984 to 1992. After his retirement he continued to enjoy raising cattle, hunting, fishing and gardening. Joe was a member of Graham Masonic Lodge No.20 A.F.&A.M., Buddy Wright American Legion Post, life member of the James F. Dillon VFW Post, and the Old Washington Shooting Club. He served on the board of directors of Farmers Mutual Aid Association of Washington County and the Washington County Fair Jr. Livestock Auction Committee. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Patricia Renn of Washington; his daughters, Tammy Leiber and husband Charles of Navasota, Penny Kelm and husband Glen of Burton; grandchildren, Lindsey Young and husband Joe of Navasota, Heath Leiber of Navasota, Kayla Kelm of Burton and Alicia Kelm of Burton. He is also survived by his sister, Laverne Lehrmann of Brenham; sister-in-law, Peggy Greenwood of Navasota; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Mr. Renn is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in law Lee Roy Lehrmann. Pallbearers are Heath Leiber, Joe Young, Royce Lehrmann, Hollis Lehrmann, Chuck Greenwood, Buck Phillips, Albert Hartstack, Jr., Wallace Bosse, and Earl Stegemoller. Honorary pallbearers are Walter Schroeder, Walter Dickschat, Clint Bosse, Neal Bosse, Clifford James, Albert Johnson, Gilbert Janner, Gus Mutscher, Marion Busa, Milton Peters, and Lugene Lohmeyer. The family extends sincere thanks to Oscar Jr. and Norvell Griffin and the staff of Sheridan of Navasota for their excellent care of Mr. Renn. The funeral service will be Sunday, Dec. 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Friedens Church of Washington, UCC in Washington, Texas with Pastor Ron Trimmer officiating. Burial will follow in Friedens Cemetery with the graveside service under the auspices of Graham Lodge No. 20 A.F.& A.M. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday, Dec. 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorials may be made to Friedens Church of Washington, the Parkinson s Association or the charity of choice.