Joan Reimers Blincoe Smelser

SMELSER, JOAN REIMERS BLINCOE (1931 ~ 2024). The following is an obbituary for Joan Smelser, spouse of Rex Aubrey Smelser, who was approved for burial at the Texas State Cemetery in 2017. The obituary was published in the February 5, 2024 edition of the Austin American-Statesman.

Joan Reimers Smelser peacefully passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 92. Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann) was born on March 27, 1931, in Bastrop County, Texas. She was born to her loving parents- Alma Franz of Paige, TX and Emil Reimers of Giddings, TX. Joan had 2 younger sisters- Joyce Schultz and Elizabeth (Liz) Null and they were a tight-knit and loving family. Joan often spoke about her parents and sisters with the utmost love and respect. The three sisters grew up on Central Texas farms with the family finally settling in Smithville, TX when Joan was 10 years old. Farming was a "family business", with everyone helping out as soon as they could hold a hoe. She began the 8th grade at Smithville High School and graduated as Valedictorian in her senior year in 1947. Joan remained very close with her high school graduating class and delighted in the class reunions.

Joan moved to nearby Austin, Texas to attend business college. Afterward, she very proudly and dutifully worked as a secretary and later in her career, she was the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of the Texas Highway Department (now known as TxDOT). She was honored to serve the State of Texas and especially loved overlooking the Texas State Capitol grounds from her office window. She retired after 35 years.

Joan first married John Blincoe, with whom they had children Rick and Terry. John passed at the young age of 31. In 1966, she married the love of her life, Rex Aubrey Smelser, who brought Donna, Janet, Kent and Carol into the fold, and they spent 57 years in love. They were both steadfast state employees. In retirement, they became cattle ranchers in Smithville, TX. They also enjoyed round dancing, for which they were in great demand for cueing, instructing, and choreographing--including on cruises. Aubrey and Joan also traveled the world; among their more memorable excursions being their many cruises, a 36-mile hiking trek in Colorado and a trip to Normandy, France. Joan lived a very full and happy life- but being married to Aubrey was "happiness personified".

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, and very recently by her husband Aubrey Smelser and her daughter and best friend Terry Blincoe Newman. She leaves behind her children Rick Blincoe, Donna Howard, Janet Nitibhon, Kent Smelser, Carol Smelser, and her 15 beloved grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren along with a very large extended family and many friends. She truly had a way of making each and every one of us feel special. She adored her family, cherished her friendships and was always happy to keep in touch.

Joan was an truly extraordinary person. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, warm kindness, sweet smile, infectious joy and dedication to seeing the good in everything. Her family is grateful for her long and beautiful life. Services and interment are pending and will be held at the Texas State Cemetery.