Joseph Kegler II's Obituary
The funeral service for Joseph Kegler II, 45, of Lufkin will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., at First Missionary Baptist Church, 410 Scarborough St, Lufkin, TX. The burial will follow in the Davis Memorial Gardens, Jackson Road, Lufkin,
Joseph Bernard Kegler 11, was born to Joseph Bernard Kegler, and Cheryl Ladean Kelley-Griffin in Lufkin, Texas, on July 20, 1979.
Joseph grew up in a family knowing and loving the Lord with unwavering faith. He was baptized in his early youth at New Zion Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas. He then became a dedicated member and servant ofthe Mt. Olive Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Richard Griffin. Joseph later joined First Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend W.R. Ricks. Joseph attended Anderson and Brandon Elementary, Lufkin Junior High West, and Lufkin High School where he graduated with the Class-of 1998. During High School, he was an offensive guard on the Panther Football Team, wearing # 66, which was his Uncle Garlin (Bluto) Kelley's Jersey number. He also achieved recognition as a State Finalist in Power-Lifting.
After High School, he attended Angelina Community College, and Stephen F. Austin University. While at SFA, he met and married the love of his life, Octavia Williams. Joseph and Octavia were married on July 14, 2006, and to this union two beautiful daughters were born. Joseph loved all people, and it showed in his working career as an Insurance Agent at Reliable Insurance Company, a Resident Assistant at St. Giles, and a Substitute Teacher within the Lufkin Independent School District. He especially loved and was highly respected by the youth in the community, where he had the privilege of coaching and mentoring them in several sports. Influenced by his uncles, Garlin Jr. (Bluto), James, Eddie, and Don Kelley, as well as big brother, Desmone Kelley, Joseph began his life with an immense amount ofjoy and love. He was an avid Lufkin Panther and Chicago Bears Fan. He was a family man, and the world's best girl dad to Trinity and Tori Kegler.
Joseph leaves to cherish his memories: His devoted and beautiful wife, Octavia Kegler of 18 years; Daughters, Trinity Kegler and Tori Kegler; Bonus daughter, Vakia Hackney; His loving mother, Cheryl Kelley-Griffin (Rev. Richard Griffin), and mother-in-law, Lisa Forge; Brothers, Desmone (Tyewaniequekya) Kelley of Houston, Texas, Curtis Booker Jr. of Lufkin, Texas, Eleric (Erica) Figgs of Lufkin, Texas, and Kevin Kegler of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Brother-in-law, De'Quann
Forge; Sisters, Typhanie (Albert) Jackson of Rosharon, Texas, Monica Conner of Humble, Texas, and Kimberly Marcus of
Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Nieces, Teiondreia Kelley, Amiel'yae Booker, Darian Moses, and Achyri Booker; Nephew, Chaz Booker; Uncles, Jimmy Earl (Hope) Kelley, James (Necie) Kelley, Don (Faye) Kelley, and Royce Kelley; Aunts, Yolanda Kelley, La Francis Kelley, May-Lou Alston, Nettie B. (Cleo) Canton, Bessie Seal; Oskarikne Kegler, Joyce Faye Kegler; A wealth of special cousins, family and many' loving and caring friends;
Joseph was preceded in death by: His father, Joseph Bernard Kegler; Grandparents, Garlin Sr. and Jimmy Lee Kelley, Jack and Eula Mae Kegler; Aunts, Linda Kelley Booker, Mary Jo Kegler, and Lucille Kegler; Uncles, Garlin Kelley, Jr., Peirce Kelley, and Eddie Kelley, Odive Kegler, E.C. Kegler, Walter Kegler, and Lamar Kegler.
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