Joe Herman Weinberg

Joe Herman Weinberg, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and entrepreneur, passed away on May 18, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Kilgore, Texas, on February 4,1939, Joe was the son of Joseph Harris Weinberg and Nell Davis Weinberg, and the grandson of Herman and Mary Weinberg and John and Ethel Davis.

Graduating from Kilgore High School in 1957, Joe had a fun first year at University of Oklahoma and finished his business degree at North Texas State University in 1962. He met the love of his life, Gayle Littlefield, a Kilgore Rangerette from Munday, Texas, on June 27, 1957. Their beautiful 65 years of marriage was marked by companionship, conversation and laughter, and deep love for their family.

Joe began his career at his family's menswear store, Weinberg’s, in downtown Kilgore. In 1969, he moved with Gayle and two sons, Trey and Russell to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he launched Oil Center Uniform Company. In 1972, they relocated to Marshall, Texas, where Joe purchased and managed the historic Joe Weisman & Company department store. He later expanded into ventures in Texarkana and Shreveport, bringing his signature mix of fashion sense and personal warmth to each endeavor.

A natural salesman and people person, Joe had an eye for style and a talent for making others feel seen and appreciated, whether selecting inventory or giving a thoughtful gift. He was loyal, empathetic, and generous, always putting his family first. He loved cars, and gifted Gayle with a commemorative red 1957 Thunderbird.

Joe enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: time with family, playing golf, reading, and bridge nights with friends. Fishing, however, was his passion, and he enjoyed stealing away to fish on a sunny afternoon with his buddies. He cherished family vacations along the Florida Gulf Coast, driving a station wagon, and smoking Kent cigarettes until he was 50. He was a proud grandfather, enjoying time with his grandchildren, admiring their accomplishments and adventures.

Joe is survived by his wife Gayle; sons Joe Herman Weinberg, Jr. “Trey” and John Russell Weinberg “Russell” (Sarah), siblings George Weinberg (Pam) and Mary Nell Weinberg Fried (Jack), as well as his grandchildren Joseph, Jonathon, Andrew, John, Sloane, and Shea, and great-grandchildren Sebastian, Jonathan and Thomas. Joe was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother John Weinberg and nephew Seth Weinberg.

A committal service will be held on May 27, 2025, at 2:00pm at Colonial Gardens Cemetery Chapel, Highway 31, in Marshall, Texas, followed by a celebration of his life at 3:00pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall, Texas.

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to those he loved.