Joe Max Honish, 80, of Hallettsville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2013. He was born October 8, 1933 to Joe A. and Carrie Jahn Honish, in Ezzell, Lavaca County, Texas. At an early age, he worked on the family farm raising cattle, turkeys, chickens and hogs, as well as cotton, corn, tomatoes, pecans and cane for molasses, that they took to market and also provided as food for their table.

Joe was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict in 1954 and honorably discharged in 1956. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base, Merced, California, where he was trained as a cook and then was transferred to mechanics, which was his favorite of the two. After his discharge from the military he worked at Zaruba Chevrolet in Hallettsville. His step-dad encouraged him to pursue a career with the US Department of Agriculture. After training in Weimar, his first USDA position was in San Antonio. He then married Doris Ann Melnar on July 14, 1957. In February 1958 he was transferred to Flatonia where he and Doris lived for 11 years, and there they had two sons, Russell and Michael. When his step-dad retired at the J. Weingarten Processing Plant in Hallettsville, Joe was transferred to that position. After the Weingarten Plant closed its doors, he went back to Flatonia for several years. The last plant that he was employed at was in Gonzales. After 33 years of service he retired in December 1988. After being diagnosed with Parkinsons his activities were limited yet he and Doris looked after both of their Mothers.

Joe enjoyed gardening and carpentry. He made windmills for all his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He also was a good mechanic. He was not one to sit idle as he constantly had a project going. Joe also enjoyed being there for his two granddaughters, and later enjoyed playing "tickle-bug" with his great-grandson. Joe was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville where he served as an usher for many years.

Joe is survived by: his wife Doris; 2 sons, Russell Honish & wife Patricia, and Michael Honish both of Hallettsville; 2 granddaughters, Jessica Kulhanek & husband Chris, and Lindsay Feigle & husband Jason; and great grandchild Ethan Feigle.

Joe was preceded in death by: his parents, Joe A. Honish and Carrie Mae Manuel; his step-dad, T. W. Manue; and his step-mom, Lina Honish.

Funeral Service: 2 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville.
Visitation: 4 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Prayer Service: 7 pm, Tuesday, Kubena Funeral Home.
Officiant: Rev. Andy Taylor.
Pallbearers: Jimmy Jahn, Marvin Honish, Bill Henry Jahn, Morris Tesch, Chris Kulhanek and Jason Feigle.
Honorary Pallbearers: James Honish, Leon Tesch, Johnny Jahn, Jr., Calvin Bohlmann, Charles Jahn, Ronnie Jahn and Henry Joe Jasek .
Memorials: St. Peter Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Fund.
Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.