Joseph Wells Brockman, Jr., known as Joe to friends and family, died peacefully on March 30, 2026, at a skilled nursing center in Mansfield, Texas. He was 98 years old.

A descendent of early Texas settlers on a land grant from Mexico in the 1830s, Joe was born January 8, 1928, in Waco, Texas. Growing up during the depths of the Depression, he lived for several years in Sherman, Texas, with his uncle Charles and aunt Effie Knapp (who two decades later would introduce him to his future wife Zelma). Joe spent his teenage years in Galveston, Texas. During World War II, he served in a number of civilian roles to support the war effort, including carrying dispatches by bicycle during blackouts, and playing clarinet as a lieutenant in the ROTC band. After graduating from Ball High School in Galveston, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force) in 1946, and specialized in radar, including training officers in radar systems. Completing his military service in 1948 with the rank of sergeant, he took advantage of GI Bill benefits to enroll first at Texas A&M and then at the University of Houston. After graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1952, he took an engineering job with Goodyear in Akron, Ohio. However, he longed to return to his beloved Texas. In 1956, his wish came true when he took an engineering position in Dallas, Texas with the defense contractor Chance Vought (later LTV).

During his decades-long engineering career (at Vought as well as F&M Systems), he worked on the design of important military systems such as the F-8 Crusader, the A-7 Corsair II, and mobile missile launchers. During a stint with Grumman, he worked on the design of an air bridge. He was especially proud of his good relationship with colleagues in the shop.

In November 1957, he married Zelma Lois Cranfill in Durant, Oklahoma, and the couple settled in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie, Texas to raise a family.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Zelma raised two children, David and Patricia, in Grand Prairie. He and Zelma actively supported their children’s interests in school; they were invariably in the audience for school programs and band concerts. They continued this support with their granddaughter, Miranda, attending her soccer games, dance performances, and school programs. They also cultivated a love of Texas and its history in their children. Summer vacations were often spent at historic sites such as the Alamo and the state Capitol building.

Though a private man, Joe loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was an avid reader and loved music, traits he passed on to his children. Joe also enjoyed dove and quail hunting with Zelma’s father and brothers. In retirement, Joe was an ardent crossword enthusiast. Joe loved and adored his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He especially loved family gatherings and celebrating holidays. Joe also shared with Zelma a passionate interest in reading and understanding the Bible, reading through the Bible numerous times. Joe loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and knew one day he would be called home.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother Clemmie Lucille Smith; father Joseph Wells Brockman, Sr.; and stepfather Ellis Smith. He is survived by his wife Zelma Lois Brockman; his son David Ray Brockman and daughter-in-law Eleanor Forfang-Brockman; his daughter Patricia Ann Ramsey and son-in-law Paul Jameson Ramsey; his granddaughter Miranda Elyse Green and her spouse Cody Arthur Green; his great-grandchildren Stirling Cameron Ramsey and Gemma Grace Green; and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and relations by marriage.

There will be a viewing at Moore Davis Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, in Arlington, Texas on April 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Aulds Funeral Home in Archer City, Texas, followed by a graveside service at Litteken Family Cemetery in Windthorst, Texas.