Joe Charles Walenta, Jr. of Gun Barrel City, passed away Nov. 17, 2024. He was 91 years old.
Joe was born to Joe Charles Walenta and Mary Albina Michalic Walenta March 1, 1933, in Richmond.  
Loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. 
He is survived by his wife Cleta, son William Charles “Skip” Walenta, stepdaughters Pam Hakala (Doug) and Pennie Farr, stepson Pat Atkinson (Jolene), grandchildren Stephen Walenta, Shan-non Walenta, Jaime Reyes (Melissa), Heather Veader (Michael), Chris Atkinson (Neisha), Andrew McManaman (Megan) and Justin Atkinson, 14 great-grandchildren, niece Sharon Muzmy, nephew Leldon Walenta and many friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lee Walenta and Sidney Walenta and sisters Lilymae Walla and Clara Edna Walenta.
A funeral service was held Nov. 22, 2024, at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home. Interment took place at Payne Cemetery in Eustace.