Joseph "Joey" Donell Morrow

Joseph Donell Morrow was born 10-21-1963 in Harlingen, Texas to LaRee and Glenn Morrow, a mere 8 ½ months after his brother. LaRee didn’t know she was pregnant with twins and Joey was a miracle baby considering it was 1963 and he was 2 ½ months premature and weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. But he thrived and was home just in time for Christmas.

At a year old, Joey was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and he faced many challenges in his lifetime. As an infant and toddler, Joey would get around by dragging himself around until fitted with braces and crutches. There was very little that he would not attempt to do, with Sammy, his many cousins and precious friends, right by his side. Being so close in age, their bond was like twins. Joey loved to tell stories about how when one of them got in trouble, they both got in trouble, because they were usually side by side in the middle of whatever happened. Joey’s first words were “Yammy yeave me ayone”.

Joey attended school in San Benito and was a proud graduate of the class of 1983. He made many friends in school, and recently attended their 40th class reunion. After graduation, Joey worked for San Benito Bank and Trust for 18 years. When online classes became available, Joey would proctor classes from University of Oklahoma and he took classes from Hillsdale College. He was a very active member in Toastmasters and spent many years showing and volunteering at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock show.

When he retired from the bank, it was time to travel. Joey, his mother LaRee, and his Aunt Loretta went on many trips, their favorite being a cruise. They made every attempt to attend the regular family reunions that were held all over the US and if Joey needed any help, there was always a multitude of cousins available to help. Joey had the memory of an elephant. If we were discussing something and we couldn’t remember a name, date or place, we would ask Joey and he would remember. He really prided himself on his ability to remember and never hesitated to let us know that he remembered.

Joey was proceeded in death by his father, Glenn and his twin brother, Jonathan.

He is survived by his mother, LaRee, who made raising Joey her lifetime mission. She and Sam ensured Joey traveled and experienced things like sledding in the snow, snowmobiling, playing in the sand at the beach, showing chickens at the Livestock Show, life at the hunting camp, and anything else he might have wanted to try, her mission in life. He is also survived by his brother Sam and his wife Missy. Sam was an amazing big brother, he loved to give Joey a hard time and make him laugh. Sam stepped in as a father figure after the death of their father. He guarded Joey, ensuring he was treated fairly and help him to do things he would not have done otherwise. When Sam married Missy, it was quite an adjustment for Joey, but over the years, he adjusted and loved to give Missy a hard time, usually including Christmas Gift, if you know, you know. Missy was able to challenge Joey to try new things and he became more self-sufficient because of her. He had one niece Ally, and from the very beginning, they had a special bond. Later in his life, she helped Joey to figure out ways to make life easier with her knowledge as an occupational therapist. She gave him three beautiful great nieces, Emery, Payten and Laney. Each of them was special in their own way, Emery always willing to help, Payten giving the best hugs and Laney providing comic relief. He loved it when they would come to visit and Halloween was always his favorite holiday. He would shop online for the perfect mask to wear and he couldn’t wait to scare them. Everyone loved that day because Joey loved it. Joey had so many family members that were always willing to help in anyway. Aunts, Uncles and cousins that were special to him in their own unique ways.

Let’s not be sad for Joey. Everyday things that we take for granted were a struggle for him. Getting in and out of bed, brushing his teeth, getting dressed, putting his socks on, but he never complained. He took it in stride that it was his challenge in life and would be very proud when he accomplished something new. So now, he is whole, walking through the field of wild flowers, with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No more struggling, Joey is running and laughing without any restrictions. He is probably reminding God of all the things he remembered. Joey joined the heavenly kingdom on Friday, January 19, 2023.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Services for Joey will conclude after the funeral service.

The family requests donations to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show scholarship fund in memory of Joey Morrow in lieu of flowers. RGVLS, 1000 N. Texas Ave; Mercedes, TX 78570, Attn: Scholarship fund, Joey Morrow or https://www.rgvls.com/p/info/development-projects

We would also like to thank everyone for their many phone calls, food and prayers. We truly are blessed by our extended family and friends. God Bless you.