Joseph Donald French

Joseph Donald French obituary, Van, TX

Joseph Donald French

Joseph French Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hilliard Funeral Home, Fairway Crematory & Memorial Gardens - Van on Jul. 9, 2025.

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Joseph "Joe" French, a longtime jewelry salesman and proud Vietnam Veteran, passed away peacefully at his home in Van, Texas, of 13 years.
Joe served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and went on to pursue a successful career in fine jewelry sales, traveling the country for over two decades with Downey Designs, International. Before that, he worked in logistics. He was known for his warm personality, sharp eye for detail, and passion for helping others find the perfect piece. Beyond his career, Joe was a man of many interests. He loved reading, watching movies, gardening, and music - even playing the drums in a band.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Hellen (Bray) French; his brother, James "Jim" French.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Debbie French of Van, TX; five children: David (Melissa) Way, Carrie (Nicholas) Fry, Justin (Heather) Weaver, Jeremy French, and Jacob (Torie) French; sister Roseanne (John) Silnes, Sister-in-law Juda French; 16 grandchildren: Jordan, Mackenzie, Jonah, Kristen, Alexis, Lucas, Kiana, Clayton, Sydney, Mason, Autumn, Sophia, Elizabeth, Willow, Heather, and Armani Joseph "AJ"; one great-grandson; and nephews Sean (Jill) Silnes and James (Shalena) French.

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