Joseph Anthony Pelzel Jr, joined his many friends and relatives with The Lord on April 6, 2014. He was 87. Joe was born in Pilot Point, Texas on January 13, 1927. He was the second of five children born to Angela & Joseph Pelzel. He passed away peacefully at his home in Denton with his loving wife of 63 years, Margie at his side.

Joe grew up in Pilot Point. He joined the US Navy as a teenager. He served on the USS Morrison which was sunk by Japanese suicide planes during the Okinawa engagement in 1944. After the service he returned to Denton and started his 60+ year career of being a barber. He owned and operated The University Barber Shop for over 40 years. He truly loved staying connected to Denton and both colleges by networking with his broad & diverse customer base and their families.

He was an active football official for many years and was inducted into The Southwest Officials Association Hall of Fame in 1995. He served as president and many other positions of The Denton Football Official Association throughout the years.

Joe was also a very active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Denton. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, Council 4771, where he proudly served as Grand Knight.

He is survived by his wife Margie and three children - Donna Kerner and husband Larry of Denton; Larry Pelzel and wife Amy of Denton; Judy Caskey of Sherman; grandchildren Shannon Floyd and husband Jonathan, Sydney, Shelby, Payton, Madelyn, Ryan, and great grandchild Jaxie. He also leaves behind his brothers Ernest & Alois, and sister Rosina. He is preceded in death by his brother Carl and brother in law Leo Felderhoff.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, Faith Hospice, Good Samaritan Society, the VA, and the many friends that supported us.

There will be a visitation on Thursday April 10th, from 6:00 - 8:00 at DeBerry Funeral Directors. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Denton.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Jude Hospital, Ronald McDonald House or a charity of your choice.