Franklin Joe
Franklin Joe, 65, of Spring, TX passed away January 4, 2022. He was born October 20, 1956 in Houston to the late Quock Fung Chau and Mable Fong.
Franklin spent his life loving his family, his community, and his work. He was a beloved husband, father, sibling, and brother in uniform, who was known for his infectious laugh and country twang. He spread joy in times of celebration and brought comfort in times of despair. He will be dearly missed, and his legacy continues on through all the lives that he touched, loved, and inspired.
Franklin spent his early years in Houston, Texas helping run the family grocery store, alongside his seven brothers and sisters. At age 18, in 1976, he enlisted in the Army and served as a medical specialist until he was honorably discharged in 1979. 7 years later, he joined Harris County’s Sheriff's Office where he served 34 years. In this time, he worked at Christ the Good Shepherd every Sunday, and he patrolled District 1, which included the Inwood neighborhood and the Kindercare that his spouse, Gina Joe, worked at. They married in 1996 and Franklin became a step father to John, James, and Ben Tant. In 1997, he and Gina gave birth to their daughter, Ginnifer Joe. Franklin became the parent at all the school functions and beyond. He put family first and would often bring his daughter with him to the extra jobs that he worked. He retired from Harris County’s Sheriff’s Office in 2010, then worked for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for three years. In 2013, he joined Lone Star College Police Department and served until his end of watch.
He was a pillar of strength and stability in all places he served. It was an honor and privilege to be in his presence, and his life will be remembered into eternity.
Franklin is survived by his wife, Gina M. Joe; children, Benjamin Tant and Ginnifer Joe; mother, Mable Fong; siblings, Ray Joe and his spouse Janet, Edison Joe, Joyce Hellums and her spouse Mark, Nancy Harrington and her spouse Jess, Emery Jansen and her spouse Doug, Mary Ann Fitch and her spouse Jon; along with three grandchildren and ten nieces and nephews.
Franklin was preceded in death by his children, John Anthony Tant and James Michael Tant; father, Quock Fung Chau; and sister, Hazel Joe.