Joe Truelove Sr.

Joe Weldon Truelove, Sr. was born on July 29, 1946, to Joe and Mildred Truelove, in Temple. Joe was born with a passion for speed and cars. He graduated from Temple high School and was already a very talented mechanic. He soon began teaching automotive classes at Temple Junior College and even taught automotive to inmates in the Huntsville Prison System.  He soon took over the Collier Electric fleet and oversaw keeping their vehicles running in top shape. He owned and operated Truelove and Sons Auto Repair for over thirty-five years. Joe was a member of the International Garage Association and the Temple Longhorn Club. He was also instrumental in getting the Temple Towman’s Association started. As a father, Joe was very involved in his son’s lives. He coached their little leagues, made sure they knew all about fixing cars, and dunked them in the water trough on every birthday, no matter how cold. They spent many days working on cars with their dad and working on his 1956 Chevy two door hardtop. Joe loved a cold Dr. Pepper, beanie weenies, and fried okra. He enjoyed western movies, classic guns, knives, classic cars, animals, saving plants, street racing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He always stopped to help people who broke down on the side of the road and all he needed was a pair of pliers. Joe was a very kind and giving man. He made his living doing something he truly loved and found purpose in helping people be able to get where they needed to go. His tools were how he fed his family and always said, “My wrenches better be cleaner than the forks you eat off.”

Joe Weldon Truelove, Sr., 76, of Belton, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at his residence.

A memorial service for Joe will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 3C Cowboy Fellowship in Salado with Pastor Brian Miller officiating.

He is survived by his two sons, Joe Weldon Truelove Jr. of Wylie, Texas and Chris Allen Truelove of Belton; his cousins that were more like brothers, Bryan Edds of McGregor, and Brett Edds of Academy; his sisters, Dortha Tilley of Temple and Janette Rochester of Peachtree City, GA; his three granddaughters, Harlee Truelove, Macy Truelove, and Mackenzie Truelove; and many cherished nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crotty Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Belton.