Joe Vytopil, age 92 of Bryan, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, at the Veterans Hospital in Temple, Texas after a long struggle with dementia.

Following high school, Joe served in the US Army.  Later, on a blind date, he met and later married the love of his life, Shirley Ann DeHart.  A man of many talents, Joe worked much of his life at the Shoe Factory of Bryan, climbing from an entry position to Plant Engineer.

Joe was an avid and accomplished fisherman.  He always managed to catch fish when no one else could.  He also was a talented musician and singer mastering the guitar, harmonica, fiddle and accordian.  This opened many doors for him and Shirley.  Following retirement, he and Shirley spent many summers at the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, hosting covered wagon cookouts and entertainment.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Joe Vyopil and Albina Cech Vytopil of Bryan, brothers Jerry Vytopil of Bryan and Frank Vytopil of Wheelock, sisters Lillie Matejka O'Shields of Bryan, twin sisters Rosie Rice of Calvert and Gladys Manthei of Bryan, and Albina Matejka of Bryan.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Vytopil, his daughter, Kay Ison of Bryan, son and wife Frank and Gail Vytopil of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandsons Joe Yocham of Corpus Christi, Frank Vytopil of Lafayette, Louisiana, Leighton Mattson of Las Vegas, Nevada and Hayden Cole Vytopil of Las Vegas, Nevada; granddaughters Bethany Clark and husband John of Cypress, Texas, Jennifer Yocham of Franklin, Texas, Sarah Ison of Bremond, Texas and Tarah Vytopil of Lafayette, Louisiana.  Sister-in-law Dorothy Vytopil of Bryan, Texas and great-grandchildren Kobe Wayne Brooks of Franklin, Texas, Ethan Clark of Cypress, Texas and Baily Brooks of Franklin, Texas along with many, many nieces and nephews.  The family would also like to thank his two exceptional caregivers, Brenda Andrews and Renae Walton, along with the outstanding staff of the VA Hospital in Temple.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, New Baden followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.  Graveside service will follow at the Wheelock cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests honorary donations be made to the New Baden/Camp Creek Lions Club P.O. Box 154 New Baden, Texas 77870