Joe Ben Koonce, 90, passed peacefully from this life February 12, 2025, in Eastland. He was born December 24, 1934, in Desdemona to Ben Otis Koonce and Ethel Mae Purdue Koonce. Joe was raised in Desdemona and graduated from Desdemona High School.

He married his loving wife of forty years, Sarah A. Smith, on June 3, 1987. They resided in Eastland all their married life.

He owned and operated Lone Star Title & Abstract in Eastland for over twenty years, but his true passion in life was farming and ranching. Raising his cattle brought him immense joy and after selling his title company, it became his full-time career that he dearly loved. Joe Ben also had a knack for training his cattle dogs. He loved his heelers, and they loved him. Spending time outdoors was Joe Ben's favorite hobby, and it was rare to find him with idle hands.

Joe Ben is survived by his devoted wife, Sarah Ann Smith Koonce; sons, Ronald Scott Koonce and wife, Pat, Joe Bradley Koonce and wife, Lori; Kenneth F. Smith and wife, Esther, and James S. Hudson; daughter, Joyce Ann Hudson; sister, Nelda Terry and husband, Wayne; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nephews, Marlin Priddy and Greg Priddy; niece, Annette Nutter; and other extended family. Joe Ben has been reunited with his parents, and two sisters, Ila Mae Koonce and Ineta Koonce.

Funeral services celebrating Joe Ben's life were held February 18, 2025, at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home with Ken Smith officiating. Interment  followed in Desdemona Cemetery.