Joe Harold Reno, born in Lubbock, TX on March 27, 1950 to Harold and Jeneice Reno, passed away July 4th, 2025 at the age of 75. A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 9 from 6 to 8 PM at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 10 at 2 PM in the Heartland Funeral Home chapel, followed by interment with military honors at May Cemetery.
Joe served in the United States Army from 1969-1972. He did one tour in Vietnam where he received a bronze star. After Vietnam, Joe was stationed at Ft. Lewis Washington as a drill sergeant.
In 1975 he moved to Brownwood and started his career with the Texas Youth Commission where he met the love of his life, Kay Reno. They married in 1976 and moved to May, TX in 1982 – present. They were married for 48 years.
Joe worked for the TYC for 31 years and during those years he also worked as a deputy sheriff at Comanche County Sheriff’s office. He received many awards for his hard work and dedication. In 1990 he became the first ever State of Texas apprehension officer. In this role he excelled and found his calling. Joe loved the excitement of the “chase”. He met and made numerous friends with many police agencies around Texas and across the US. He later trained other apprehension officers to help prepare for his retirement in 2008 and so he could watch all the Fox news and westerns he wanted.
Although Joe loved and took pride in his jobs his great love was for the Lord and his family. He had many hobbies but the one he loved the most was to make people laugh by telling all his jokes and stories. He was known for his humor, wit and laughter but mostly for caring for others.
Joe “PaPa” is survived by his 2 daughters; Brandi and husband Jerry Harris of Rising Star; Devron and husband Jody Roberts of Bangs; his two sons; Robert Blankenship and Jennifer Strickland of May; Jimmy and wife Melanchie of Kuwait. His beloved 15 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Also survived by his mother Jeneice Reno “the Queen”, one brother, Roger Reno and wife Darla, as well as numerous dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joe was proceeded in death by this wife, Kay, his daughter, Amy Bennett and his father, Harold Reno.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the May Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 5, May, TX 76857. 254-259-2919
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the Reno family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
