Joe Ross Evridge, lifelong Brady resident, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, in Menard, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, service, and deep love for his community. Born October 14, 1946, Joe was raised in Brady, Texas, where he attended high school and went on to become a proud Aggie, earning a degree in wildlife biology at Texas A&M, where he was a member of the college’s skydiving team. 

Joe’s love for both the excitement and tranquility of the great outdoors shaped much of his life. Joe says he experienced God’s peace and presence most fully while in nature — whether hunting, fishing, or simply watching the land glow under the glory of a radiant sunset.Joe’s passion for outdoor expedition guided him to the northern wilderness as an Alaskan Park Ranger, then, decades later, as co-owner of Heart of Texas Whitetails, where he put his knowledge of wildlife into practice while aiding others in the industry, as well as those looking to find their own great adventures. Joe’s love language was truly best expressed in the kitchen, and he delighted in the chance to feed family, friends, and total strangers – whether hungry or not (just sit down and eat). You could find him cookin’ up chili on a cold day at Evridge Tire & Auto, which he operated for decades. A bigger champion of the World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-Off could not be found, and Joe’s Brady pride was fully exposed when discussing the lore of the origins of the event. What exactly did you eat off his grill? No Bradyite knows for sure. In other passion projects for the Brady community, Joe was involved in Beautify Brady and the creek project, as well as serving on the hospital board. Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the role he played as a coach and mentor to so many children with his years of involvement in youth sports, including basketball, baseball, and flag football.

Joe was an avid collector and student of history, spending the last 15 years of his life developing and living a labor of love called D & J’s Good Ole Days, shared with his wife, DeAnn, as they took a little retirement dream – to open an antique store – and grew it into a one-of-a-kind destination for fellow collectors and dreamers who would travel well out of their way to get lost in the nostalgia of decades gone by. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, I.G. and Claire Evridge, and sister, Susan Evridge. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 37 years, DeAnn Evridge, daughters Mauri Blankenship and spouse, Chad; Dana Whisenhunt; Darci Whisenhunt Owens and spouse, JT; son, Cole Whisenhunt and spouse, Abbi; sister, Mary Barker and spouse, Tom; brother, Grant Evridge and spouse, Nancy. Additional survivors include nephews and nieces, Wyatt, Bonnie, and Sarah as well as grandchildren McKenzie, Landon, Cole, Harley, Ophelia, Lola, Lexie, Lucas, Crosby, Nash, Liza Jo, and Maverick; and great-grandchildren Neil and Henry. Also mourning Joe’s loss is long-time devoted employee and family companion, Matthew.

A Celebration of Life service for Joe Evridge will be held on Wednesday, January 28 at 1 p.m. at Redeemer Church in Brady, Texas. Immediately following the Celebration of Life service, an informal gathering to honor Joe with food and fellowship will take place at the same location. The family asks that you wear your camo, bring your best stories, and keep it casual – all in the spirit of a get-together that truly honors Joe’s legacy. Friends may view and/or sign Joe’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.