Joseph Charles Bland

August 28, 1938 ~ March 18, 2026

Joseph Charles Bland, 87, of Valley Mills, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Born on August 28, 1938, in Parker County, Texas, Joe lived a full and meaningful life marked by deep devotion to his family, his work, and his community. He was baptized at Fairview Baptist Church, later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waco, and eventually transferred his membership to Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton—the same church where he married the love of his life in 1957.

As a young boy, Joe grew up on the Logan, Roswell, and Delmar Ranches, where his father worked as a lifelong cowboy and ranch manager. Joe earned his first paycheck at the age of eight, working for Wyatt C. Hedrick. He attended school in Clifton before graduating from Valley Mills High School. Early in his career, he worked for E. E. Stewart Motors before joining Central Freight Lines in Waco, where he dedicated 37 years of service. Following his retirement, Joe continued his strong work ethic by operating his own business for an additional 24 years.

On May 28, 1957, Joe married the love of his life, Shelba Jean McLemore. Together, they built a strong and loving partnership that spanned nearly 69 years, filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Joe proudly served his country in the National Guard for five years. His commitment to service extended throughout his community, where he was a dedicated member of the Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, serving several of those years as Fire Chief. He also gave his time to the Valley Mills School Board and the Boy Scouts, always willing to serve wherever he was needed.

Joe found great joy in the outdoors and in life's simple pleasures. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing go-carts—until one memorable crash, when he "flew off the track into the dark," after which Shelba firmly decided his racing days were over, reminding him he had two young children to raise. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, skiing at the lake, bowling in a local league, and playing adult softball. He was also a longtime member of the Valley Mills Citizen Band Radio Club.

Many treasured years were spent at the family deer lease—a place filled with laughter, stories, and memories that will live on for generations. Joe and Shelba also shared a love for travel, taking numerous trips across the country in their travel trailer with family and friends, creating lifelong memories along the way.

Joe traveled nearly every road in Texas and seemed to have a story for each one. Riding with him meant hearing about the people he'd met and the places he'd been. He always knew someone—or had a story—about anything you passed along the way. Whether it was renting golf carts to the U.S. Secret Service for security at President George W. Bush's ranch or delivering a tractor to a friend, Joe had a remarkable gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton and Christine Bland; his sister, Linda Sharp; and his great-granddaughter, Parker Alexander.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shelba Bland; his son, Don Bland of Woodway; and his daughter, Darlene Ledlow and her husband, Joe, of Valley Mills. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Bland and his wife, Linda; his sisters, Helen Mayo and Glenda Miller and her husband, Ron.

He is further survived by his grandchildren: Ashley Alexander and her husband, Mark; Brandon Bland; Adam Ledlow and his wife, Ashley; and Ryan Ledlow and his wife, Sam. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Jaidan Dailey; Tripp and Emery Alexander; Bella and Judah Bland; Cade Ledlow; and Kasyn and Lincoln Ledlow.

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his servant's heart, and his deep love for family. His legacy of hard work, faith, and treasured memories will live on in all who knew and loved him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:21

Visitation will be held at Foss Funeral Home, Valley Mills, Texas on Friday March 20, 2026 from 6-8 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 803 W 3rd Street, Clifton, Texas, at 2 PM with Pastor Ricky Richards officiating.  Burial will follow at the Valley Mills Cemetery,  Stadium Dr. and Highway 6, Valley Mills, Texas.

Refreshments will follow at the old Valley Mills City Hall, 107 S 4th Street.

Pallbearers:

Grandsons: Brandon Bland, Adam Ledlow, Ryan Ledlow, Mark Alexander; Great Grandsons: Judah Bland, Cade Ledlow, Tripp Alexander, Kasyn Ledlow, Lincoln Ledlow;  Nephews:, Jay Hestilow, Marty Miller, Scott Bland, and Tate Christensen.

Joe Bland Memorial Video

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