Joni Haldeman passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023 at her home in De Kalb, Texas. She was 67.
Joni was born October 18, 1955 in Texarkana, Texas to Leslie E. “Tank” and Anna Mae “Sucky” Tidwell. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was a retired Judge for the city of De Kalb.
Her love of her hometown was deep and she relayed that spirit in abundance. Joni will be fondly remembered as the “Oktoberfest Fairy,” as her leadership as chairperson made each Oktoberfest a special occasion. She was a Trustee and Historian for the Old De Kalb Cemetery, spending countless hours researching the dear people who passed this way before us. Through her, they continued to live in our hearts and minds. Joni was a De Kalb Chamber of Commerce former board member and a founder of the Friends of the Williams House Museum, putting her “one of a kind” mark on each organization she contributed to. She will be missed greatly by her family and her beloved community.
She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie E. “Tank” Tidwell; and one brother, Leslie E. Tidwell, Jr.
She is survived by her mother, Anna “Sucky” Tidwell of De Kalb, Texas; her husband of 47 years, Charles R. Haldeman of De Kalb, Texas; one son and daughter-inlaw, Charlie and Amanda Haldeman of Sugar Land, Texas; one stepdaughter, Neely Lee of Texarkana, Texas; one brother and sister-in-law, John and Cathy Tidwell of Texarkana, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Jay Guyton of Texarkana, Texas; six grandchildren, Tyler Lee, Mackensie Lee, Hattie Haldeman, Riley Haldeman, Robb Haldeman, and Will Haldeman; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 13, 2023 at First Baptist Church of De Kalb with Charlie Haldeman and Robby Bates officiating. Interment will follow at Old De Kalb Cemetery in De Kalb, Texas.
Visitation will be held 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, May 12, 2023 at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas. In lieu of flowers, your generous contribution to the Williams House Museum (PO Box 140, De Kalb, Texas 75559) or the Old De Kalb Cemetery Association will go toward honoring the memory of Joni and those Noble people who she cared for.
