Joan Lamar, 81, of Palacios passed away March 9, 2009. She was born October 2, 1927 in Jasper, TX to the late Benjamin Franklin & Mary Cless Long Smith. She owned and operated the Pier Drive-In in Palacios for over 30 years and was a former Merchant of the Year.

Survivors include her husband Leonard Lamar of Palacios; daughter Melissa Ann Carpenter of Palacios; sons Robert Alton Porter, Jr. of Palacios, Edward Dale Porter of Palacios, & James Gaylord Porter of Palacios; brother Ernest Everett Smith; grandchildren Christina Giest, Annie Burnett, Lara Rendon, Eric Carpenter, Scott Porter, & Ronnie Porter and 5 great grandchildren. Her son Ronald Allen Porter preceded her in death.

A visitation is scheduled from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 12, 2009 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Andy and Janell Blair officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.