Joe E. Wiegand, 89, died Wednesday, September 1, 2010. He was a long-time resident of Jennings, LA.  He was born in Uhland on March 19, 1921 and lived in Kyle until 1955.

While in high school, he placed first in the Texas state declamation contest. He served with valor during World War II. While in the U.S., he patrolled the beaches of South Texas and also trained war dogs. While serving in the South Pacific, his LST was the first ship leading the battle of Okinawa.

Upon his return he worked in Kyle for Lex Word in many different capacities, ultimately managing the Ford Implement Company. Mr. Word was an inspiring mentor and his very dear friend. While living in Texas, he was active in many different civic organizations and was master of the Kyle Lodge of the Masonic Order.

Upon moving to Jennings, LA, he was manager of the Jennings Rice Drier for 20 years. Later he was self-employed and owned the Southwest Louisiana Tool and Grinding Company. On his business card was the inscription, “If we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing, but if you meet Jesus Christ and forget Him, you have lost everything.”

He will be sadly missed by his adoring wife of 59 years, Dorys Elaine Loewer Wiegand. He is survived by four daughters, Brenda (Barry) Williams; Daphne (Mark) Anderson; Melissa (Shannon) Hall; Claire (Joel) James; and eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Elsa (Hill) Wiegand, sister Ruby Madeline Wiegand and brother Eugene Weigand.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 4 at the First Baptist Church in Jennings, LA. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery in Uhland.

Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 220, Jennings or First Baptist Church, 1001 Cary Ave., Jennings, LA 70546.