Joe Shimek

E. Joe Shimek II, 80, of Ingram, passed away on October 1, 2015 in Kerrville at River Point. He was born in Houston to Edwin Joe Shimek and Evelyn Epley Shimek on January 16, 1935. He married Alida Davis on July 14, 1990 in Carmel, CA. In 2000, Joe moved his family back to Texas.\r\n \r\nJoe was in the first graduating class at St. John's in Houston at age 16 and went on to attend Rice Institute. At age 18 he was honored to be accepted at West Point, graduating in 1957. Joe went armored cavalry and completed Army Ranger school in 1958. He was fluent in German and Russian and did tours in East and West Germany. Major Shimek did a tour in Vietnam as an advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, serving with Colonel Dzung in the highlands. He also taught Russian at West Point and worked for Defense Intelligence Agency. Joe retired in 1977 as Lieutenant Colonel.\r\n \r\nAfter retiring he took his life-long interest in toy soldiers one step further and established Potsdam Tin Soldiers- Re-Creations of 19th Century Toy Soldiers. He was known around the world for his work and his collection. Joe played his bagpipes all over the world: Machu Picchu, Hawaii, Europe, St. Johns's, West Point, Spanish Bay Resort in Pebble Beach, all over Texas, and was pipe major of the Salinas Valley Highlanders Pipe Band. He was a runner since West Point and ran 10 marathons in Los Angeles and Big Sur.\r\n \r\nJoe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Evelyn Shimek and a sister, Sarah. He is survived by his wife, Alida, and sons Henry, Joe and wife Susan, and daughter Suzanne. Also by his sister Suzanne and husband Don and grandchildren Franz and Heidi.\r\n \r\nThe family wishes to thank River Point care facility and Peterson Hospice for the loving care Joe was given. Memorials may be given to Hunt United Methodist Church Foundation.\r\n \r\nServices will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 4:00 pm at Hunt United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Cave officiating. Inurnment in the HUMC columbarium will follow with military honors.