William Straub

William Joseph (Joe) Straub, 67, of Bastrop, peacefully passed away December 13, 2020, surrounded by his family and friends after a courageous battle against metastatic lung cancer.

Joe was born on November 8, 1953, in Galveston, TX, to Joseph August and Carol Childress Straub. Upon graduating from Texas A & M with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, Joe found a new interest in the oil and gas industry leading to a second degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston. He enjoyed a lifelong career in the oil industry eventually retiring as a Project Manager specializing in international deep water pipeline installation.

Joe was a caring man with broad interests in the world. He was an avid reader with a focused interest in global affairs, sports, and local news. His keen intelligence made him a wellspring of knowledge, which he would humbly share when asked. He enjoyed fine dining, attending live theater, cooking (especially cookouts with friends), and celebrating holidays with family and friends. He found peace and pleasure spending time in his yard by the fire pit, enjoying the dogs playing, and working in his flowerbeds. He developed skills as a pastel artist and served as an officer in the Austin Pastel Society. Joe and his wife, Sandy, shared many adventures together traveling throughout North America and 18 other awe-inspiring lands including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

With a kind and gentle spirit, Joe had a knack for uplifting the elderly.  He was always attentive and nurturing to his mother and later extended the same care and love to his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra (Sandy) Medina; sister, Claudia Turner and husband, Sam; in-laws, Robert and Mary Medina; brothers-in-law, Rick Medina, Bob Medina and wife, Cindy; seven nieces and nephews and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends Tanya, Kelle, Robby, and Ellie, who ignited Joe’s interest in volleyball; and his dog, Ace, who was happiest when Joe was home with him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s honor to CASA of Bastrop, Fayette and Lee Counties, Austin Pets Alive, or the charity of your choice.

Donations

CASA of Bastrop, Fayette and Lee Counties
507 Water Street, Bastrop TX 78602
Tel: 1-512-303-2272
Web: http://casabfl.org

Austin Pets Alive
1156 W. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin TX 78703
Tel: 1-512-961-6519
Web: http://www.austinpetsalive.org