Joe Britt Broughton

Joe Britt Broughton, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend, entered the Lord’s heavenly kingdom on June 7, 2025.

He was born in Dawson, Texas to Hershel W. and Genie Dawson Broughton. His mother recalled that the country doctor who delivered Joe dipped him in warm and cold water to get him to breathe. She believed that was the source of his ruddy good looks.

Joe grew up in Dawson and met the love of his life, Dorothy Yvonne Kirkpatrick, while attending Navarro Junior College. Joe and Dorothy spent a wonderful 73 years together. They raised their daughters, Vonnie and Linda, traveled all over the U.S. and operated a potato cooking business that went to county fairs and racetracks. Joe loved the mountains and liked meeting people from new places.

He served as a Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War. After his service in 1955, he worked at Texas Power and Light. During his time there, he went to school to become a system protection engineer. He retired 37 years later.

Joe and Dorothy lived all over Texas, including Copperas Cove, Hillsboro, Waco and Duncanville before settling in Morgan Mill. They spent over 30 years enjoying country life there and attending Morgan Mill Church of Christ. Joe was a Christian man in word and deed; always serving the Lord and ready to help those in need.

Music was a constant part of Joe’s life. He learned to play guitar at an early age and spent a lifetime honing his skills. He could play most any instrument he picked up. Joe was also a master woodworker. He built beautiful cabinetry, furniture, grandfather clocks and musical instruments. He combined his woodworking skills with his musical talent to design and build lap steel guitars.

Joe’s grandkids recall that he would always offer them ice cream at any time of the day – even for breakfast!

Dolly, Joe’s dog, showed up outside of his house and he started to feed her. Dolly quickly became his greatest fuzzy friend.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Moore and Joe’s dedicated, loving caregivers for their wonderful care during his illness.

Joe is survived by wife Dorothy; daughters Vonnie Smith and husband Dudley, and Linda Laughlin and husband Kenny; Grandchildren Alex and Cassie Laughlin, Leanna and Wade Ferguson, Reed Smith and Sarah Smith; Great grandkids Emma, Jake and Henry; Brother Ben Broughton of Lufkin, Texas. He also had many nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, James and George Broughton, and grandson Brian Cook.

A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 at Stephenville Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Morgan Mill cemetery. Afterward, the family invites visitors to join them at Morgan Mill Community Center.