Joseph Wilbur Van Trump, aged 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, holding the hand of his beloved wife of 59 years, Judy.
Joe was a remarkable man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and an unwavering role model. He lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, generosity and quiet strength.
He had a story for everything because he had literally done everything in life. Whether it was farming, business, golf, family or travel, Joe had experienced more than most and loved sharing those experiences with others.
Born and raised on a farm outside Polo, Missouri (or, as his dear friend Jimmy Nichol affectionately called it, “Resume Speed, Missouri”), Joe spent his childhood helping his father, Miller, run a thriving farm. They raised dairy cattle, sheep, hogs and chickens, while growing corn, soybeans, hay and just about everything else the land could produce.
As a teenager, Joe served as President of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Recognizing his talent and determination, one of his agriculture teachers encouraged him to pursue a bigger future. Joe left the family farm to study Agricultural Journalism at the University of Missouri.
While at university, Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, where he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Thankfully, the war ended before he was deployed into combat.
After completing his military service, Joe returned to university and graduated from the University of Missouri. He went on to build an outstanding career in the agricultural industry, holding leadership roles with DuPont and Uniroyal before joining Allen & Dorward, where he led the Shell Agricultural Chemicals business in San Francisco. He later became President of Allen & Dorward’s Houston office.
Joe’s business acumen and leadership earned him an appointment to the board of Space Center Houston, where he helped oversee the development of its new space-themed visitor center. His name remains etched in stone there to this day, a lasting tribute to his contribution.
Above all else, Joe’s greatest pride was his family.
He is survived by his extraordinary wife, Judy; his son, Joe Van Trump and wife, Lisa; his daughter, Michelle Loffland and husband, Tom Loffland; and his five much-loved grandchildren: Thomas and Olivia Loffland of Fort Worth, Texas, and Harper, Taylor and Miller Van Trump of Sydney, Australia.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, wisdom and countless memories that will live on through everyone who knew him.
Joe is currently playing golf up in heaven where he hopes to get his handicap down to scratch.
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