Joe Herbert Cawthon, age 70, of Salado, passed away on  Sunday, August 25, 2019 with his wife of 50 years by his side. 

He was born in Temple, Texas on July 25, 1949 to Frankie and John (Hub) Cawthon. He attended Temple schools until his senior year,  when he transferred to Salado. There he met his future wife, Linda, when she was only 15 and he was 17. They married two years later just before he left for overseas in the USAF. 

Joe worked from an early age, starting with a newspaper route, selling donuts and working at Piggly Wiggly. At age 18 he joined the United States Air Force and served for over nine and a half years, doing two  tours of duty overseas. After leaving the service, he went to work for the Santa Fe railroad from which he retired after 30 years. 

Joe married Linda Carrol Friedrich on January 10, 1969. 

He is survived by his wife Linda and their three children Scott Cawthon and his wife Miriam, Kristin Strickland, Matt Cawthon and his wife Lerina and six grandchildren. He is also  survived by a sister, Mary Haik of Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his brother Don Doss. 

Visitation for Joe will be held at Broecker Funeral Home 6-8 p.m. Sept. 3. 

A private family graveside service and burial will take place at a later date at Salado Cemetery.