- Date Of Birth: September 20, 1931
- Date Of Death: May 12, 2019
- State: Texas
Joe M. Pirtle, September 20, 1931 – May 12, 2019.
Joe Milton Pirtle was welcomed to the world on September 20, 1931 in Salado, Texas by his parents Paul and Gertie (Nunnallee) Pirtle. They welcomed him to his heavenly home on May 12, 2019.
One of his greatest accomplishments was marrying his best friend and love of his life, Mary Nell Moore June 28, 1952 at First Baptist Church in Belton.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Paul. N. Pirtle, and one sisters, Billie Anita Eiland.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Mary Nell Pirtle of Belton, two daughters, Paula Warnke and husband Carl of Bulverde, and Jane Dominguez of Belton. Two surviving brothers, Jamie Pirtle of Arlington and Bob Pirtle of Houston, along with six grandchildren, Travers Warnke, Jay Warnke, Casie Warnke, Adam Dominguez, Bret Dominguez, and Cole Dominguez. He is survived by five great grandchildren, Jack, Lily, June, Hazel Cate, and Eli. His passion was his family, and he always loved them well.
While going through his personal keepsakes, the family discovered an essay written by his grandson, Adam Dominguez in 1998. This essay was written when Adam was in Mrs. Hillyard’s 6th grade social studies class. The family felt this essay embodied the true essence of their Dedad.
Modern Day Knight
by Adam Dominguez
A person today whom I believe is deserving of knighthood is my grandfather, Joe Milton Pirtle. (All his grandkids like to call him Milton!) I don’t know if it is something he was born with or something his parents taught him, (maybe a little of both) but he has always demonstrated qualities of a knight!
He began receiving honors in Salado High School. He lettered in every sport offered at the time, and he was also elected President of his senior class. From then on he seemed to always achieve greatness. He excelled in college, and after graduating he married my grandmother. He showed signs of wisdom with this choice because they have been married for 45 years.
His first job after graduating was with the Belton Independent School District. He taught science and also coached all sports. While coaching high school basketball, his team won the state championship. This has been Belton’s only state championship in basketball. The players he coached are still very close to him. He hears from them often and they still call him “Coach Pirtle”. Kids have always come first for Joe Pirtle.
After teaching and coaching, he began progressing through the BISD system. He was an elementary principal, Jr. High principal, Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent, and finally Superintendent. He remained with the Belton schools for 43 years. During this time, he has continued to be very active in the community. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce, the Belton Lions Club, and the United way. He received the Outstanding Citizen award from the Belton Chamber and was also named Lion of the Year for the Lions Club. He has also received the Special Olympics Distinguished Award, and is an executive member of the Area Crime Stoppers. My grandfather (Dedad) continues to serve on many committees in the Area. He is very active in drug awareness programs for students and parents, and serves on the board for the Bell County Communities in Schools.
His educational accomplishments include President of the Texas Association of School Administrators, and was also named the Home Economics Outstanding Administrator. He was a finalist for Superintendent of the Year for the State of Texas and was named Texas Administrator of the month in June 1997.* A very humbling time for him was when the Belton ISD School Board revealed to him that a new elementary school would be named after him in his honor.**
It is obvious that Joe Pirtle has achieved many outstanding goals in his lifetime; however, in my opinion, what makes him truly worthy of knighthood is his personal life and the way he treats other people. He loves his family and his God. He is an Elder in our church where he is very loved by everyone. He is a humble man and a servant to all he sees and is around. To talk to Joe Pirtle, you would never know he has won so many awards and honors. Everytime I look at him, I don’t see a man who has achieved greatness, I see my Dedad who loves me very much.
Everything that I have seen from him and heard says that he is a great guy. He is the best person I know and when I say that, I’m sure I speak for many other people too.
He is never too busy to take me hunting or fishing. He bought me my first hunting license on the day I was born. He has always shown that he has time for all six of his grandchildren. I know there is nothing he would not do for me.
I know that he is worthy of knighthood. He always does what is right and good. I hope after reading this you will agree with me that Joe Pirtle is truly a Knight in Shining Armor.
*He was also named region 12 superintendent of the year in 1994.
**He was the President of the Board of Directors for Region 12 until April 2019.
