Joseph William Van Benthuysen, Jr.

Joseph “Joe” William Van Benthuysen, Jr., 90, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 6, 2026, at his home in Orange.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Ed Rawls. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 1, 1935, he was the son of Joseph Van Benthuysen, Sr, and Ursula Killi Van Benthuysen. Joe was proud veteran having served in the United States Army, showcasing his dedication to his fellow citizens and his nation. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, and he worked as a lab technician for Jefferson Chemical Company and Texaco, where he was respected for his expertise and work ethic A longtime member of Silver Oaks Baptist Church, Joseph found great joy in his faith and built lasting friendships with his fellow church members. He particularly cherished the time spent with his senior friends from the congregation, sharing laughter, support, and a deep sense of fellowship. In addition to his professional and spiritual commitments, Joe had a wealth of hobbies and interests that brought him immense happiness. He was an avid golfer, often spending sunny afternoons on the course. His passion for carpentry and woodworking allowed him to create beautiful pieces, including his home he proudly built. His love for sports, particularly Dallas Cowboys football, was a highlight of his life, as he reveled in every game with the same enthusiasm as when he first became a fan. Joe's greatest pride, however, was his family. He found boundless joy in being with his grandchildren, relishing every moment spent together. Joe will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Doris Van Benthuysen; his parents, Joseph and Ursula Van Benthuysen, Sr.; his granddaughter, Brittany Sheppard; and his daughter in law, Jenean Van Benthuysen.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Sheppard and husband, Rickey; his sons, Bill Van Benthuysen, and Russell Van Benthuysen and wife, Cathy; his grandchildren, Christina Shilling, Felicia Haylett and husband, Jeremy, Cory Van Benthuysen and wife, Jaeb, Jessie Kistler and husband, Jesse, Scott Sheppard and wife, Sarah, Wyntter Nations and husband, Micah, and Amy Van Benthuysen; his great-grandchildren, Kaylee Sheppard, Morgan Wilson and husband, Andrew, Addyson Sheppard, Mya Shilling, James Shilling, Dylan Shilling, Keaton Haylett, Eli Haylett, Zackary Haylett, Jada Van Benthuysen, Jaxon Kistler, Jetson Kistler, Arya Nations, Isaac Nations, and Freya Nations; his sister, Ursula Marie Shaw, and husband, William; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dylan Shilling, James Shilling, Bill Hoyt, Matthew Davis, Aydin Davis, and Scott Sheppard.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www. Stjude.org/donate.