Joe Koke Memories

by David Gates

It would be possible to write a whole novel about the life of Joe Koke. There’s his dry wit, his brilliant intelligence, his wonderful academic career, his strong commitment to family life and community values. However, for me it was his friendship, open mindedness and his generosity that I will never forget. 

As his cousin it was from early adolescence onward and although we lived 120 miles apart he played a role more as a friend than as a relative in my life. Then during our university years his studies overlapped with mine at the University of Oregon and we even lived together for a time at ‘Grandma’s house’ on 11^th Avenue in Eugene. I especially remember my month long visit with Joe and his wife Judy at Edmonton, Alberta, during the Summer of ‘69 when he was studying for his PhD degree at the University of Alberta, and there were my many visits to the family in San Marcos, Texas as well as at Cindy and Bill’s house near Washington, DC. 

I don’t know if it is possible to speak to those who have passed on or not, but if it is possible I would express my appreciation to Joe for the many lessons of life I have learned from him through his friendship, especially those concerning our relationships with our parents. Here, there is a great deal of gratitude for a debt that can never be repaid. His was a life well lived and a lesson that is both direct and inspiring while pointing, sometimes in a very delicate way, to the better way to live.

Thank you, Joe.

by Alexandra Loupe – Granddaughter

On June 16th my Papa Joe passed away at the age of 83. He was an amazing grandfather, taught me that the words I used mattered, helped me with my science fair projects, and sometimes snuck me out of Mass to get a Diet Coke at the gas station across the street.

He supported me in all my hobbies, took me on trips and bike rides (taught me to only rest in the shade), and loved me, my brother and cousins.

He’s reunited with my Nanny, and I’ll miss them both until I see them again

by Kim Maka

Growing up in San Marcos, Texas, in the 1980s was its own special type of challenge. A small university town caught between Austin and San Antonio, it mirrored our teenage years, caught between childhood and adulthood. While we had our ups and downs with school and friends, what I remember most are the adults who helped guide us through those rough times and who made the transition into adulthood easier.

Those people included Joe and Judy Koke. I first met them in 3^rd grade when Judy was my Girl Scout leader. After recruiting my mom as a co-leader, Judy adopted us into her family. Jacqueline, Shawn (my sister), and I were forced together a lot, and as happens, we became friends – a status we have maintained through today.

I remember Joe being somewhat terrifying when I was a child. He was stern, with a sardonic sense of humor I didn’t usually get. But as I grew older, I learned to appreciate the truly kind soul inside the gruff exterior. When I was in high school, Joe assisted me with a biology science fair experiment that got me all the way to state. He helped me come up with the hypothesis and allowed me to use his lab equipment to run my experiment. It was the first time I had ever succeeded in a science fair project (I am more of an English kind of gal), and I have him to thank for that.

Later, when we were in college, Joe helped my sister open her first bank account when our own father wasn’t there to do so.  I still remember his horror that a 20-year-old didn’t know how to write a check. He took my sister under his wing, helped develop her focus on her biology major, and fostered her growth as his lab assistant. He helped her learn how to be an adult. Whenever either of us needed anything, whether it was a trip across town or help with schoolwork, both Judy and Joe were there. They were our second parents.

Losing Judy was hard. Losing Joe is like the end of an era. I remember one of the last encounters I had with him before the series of strokes began to erode his memory. I was in Santa Fe at a State Bar program. I decided to walk across the square at lunch to see what was being sold in the open-air market and found myself passing Joe. The non-sequitur took us both by surprise. We stared at each other for a second before we realized that yes, we were both in Santa Fe on the same sidewalk at the same time. After a quick hug and briefly catching up on our lives, we went our separate ways, but I was so tickled to see him and see him doing well that it made my day.

Joe, I don’t know if I ever thanked you properly for the care and guidance you provided us throughout our early lives. You and your family are still a cornerstone of my life. I remain best friends with your daughter, and in fact, live with her today. I am so privileged to have known you, and I cherish the family you brought into this world. You will be missed, and you will always be deeply loved.

by Lee Ash-Cantu

When we were in the big flood of 1989, the Koke’s stepped in to help. My cabin on the San Marcos River in Martindale got five feet of water in it. We lost most of our belongings, including a roof over our heads. My daughter and I were invited to stay in what Joe called his graduate apartment, in the attic of their home. We stayed for 3-4 weeks and then my sister Peggy, had an apartment open below her in the Denver area. All our stuff fit into the back of Joe’s mini van and Joe followed my little Toyota car, all the way to Colorado. He help unpack my stuff, visited with Peggy and I and stayed on Peggy’s couch overnight. Then he got up early the next morning and drove back to Texas. He didn’t let me contribute to his gas and was so humble and just smiled and accepted my hug as payment for kindness. But I have always remembered him and Judy and their loving friendship. They also gave the best holiday parties and I miss them both still today. ❤️

by Dr. Dana Garcia and Allissa Savage

July 16 | Passages – Published in July 2026 College of Science and Engineering – News and Headlines

Dr. Joe Koke, a long-time professor in the department, passed away on July 16th. Joe began his career at the university in 1978, and retired in 2020. Joe received B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Oregon in 1966 and 1968. He then went on to the University of Alberta where he earned a doctorate in 1971. While at Texas State, Joe developed a research program in Cell Biology and Microscopy. He was one of the first faculty members to successfully obtain federal funding for his research. Over the years, he also mentored many graduate students as well as junior-level faculty members. Joe played a large role in initiating the department’s and one of the university’s first Ph.D. programs. He also had various leadership roles and served on committees that increased the research capacity of the university as well as its teaching mission. Joe will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and students.

Joseph Koke’s ashes will be buried next to his wife of 48 years in Yachats, Oregon on May 22, 2027.

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