Joe Wilbert Dement, 84, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023. He was born April  2, 1939 to the late Horace Dement and Margaret Ann Hughes Dement.

As an avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed agriculture and working outside in his garden. For the majority of his life, he was a Tug-Boat Captain and enjoyed being on the water. Although he was self-taught beyond the third grade, he gained knowledge through his experiences. He also had interest and skills with ropes and knots, knife sharpening, fishing, and spending time pickin' and grinnin' by playing his guitar. Being of Baptist faith, his favorite Bible verse was John 8:7 (He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone) which reflected his forgiving nature.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Lee Zernicek, Margaret Bryant and brother, Johnnie Gene Dement.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen, sister Mary Mangum of Azle, Texas, daughters Mary Dement-Maxwell of Azle, Texas, Terry Lynn Dement-Ryman of Wadsworth, Texas, Kelly Rae Dement-Eernisse (Alan) of Santa Fe, Texas, Pattie Cole (Timothy) of Needville, Texas; sons Joe Wilbert Dement Jr. of Bay City, Texas and Johnnie Gene Dement (Amanda) of San Antonio, Texas. There are also numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, blended family members and friends.

Pallbearers are Joseph, Johnnie, David, Daniel and Darren Baxter; Spencer Cole and Keith Dement. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Wilbert Dement Jr. and Johnnie Gene Dement.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, Texas.