I was so sorry to just get the news that Joe had passed away. My deepest condolences to Linda and the other members of Joe’s family.
I worked many years on the North Slope in Alaska with Joe, enjoyed a few silver salmon fishing trips down on Crooked Creek with Joe and spent some good times throwing darts with Joe, Chuck, Pat, Walt and Ray at the Prudhoe Bay Hotel In Deadhorse, Alaska.
Joe was one of the best and most knowledgeable construction supervisors I’ve known. God bless you my friend. Jack Owens

I only met Joe once. It was the night my first film, "A Quiet Strength" screened in Austin. Linda brought Joe to the screening. Looking back, I now see that "A Quiet Strength" also describes Joe. We all went out for drinks after the screening. I thought I knew Joe since Linda spoke fondly of him many times. Meeting Joe in person was something beyond my expectations. Joe sat across from me, with Linda at his side, around the table at an outdoor bar on a Spring evening in Austin. Joe reflected on my film that touches on memory, multi-generation family roots, and identity. Joe talked about his own family, his deep roots in Texas. His people were those who made a living and a life out of the land. This is no small thing. It marks you. It writes its name into you. Joe shared his attachment to his family’s land and the farm life of his growing up years. He talked about how hard his mother and father and all of them worked. After his parents passed, Joe said he bought out the other heirs to the farm. He wanted to honor his mother and father. He wanted it all to not just pass away into the air. He wanted to experience what they experienced back then. He moved to the farm to bring it back to life. Joe wanted to recreate the world they knew that he remembered from childhood. He wanted to make it all breathe again. Joe talked about how difficult of a mission this turned out to be. He said it was perhaps a mistake, but something he felt compelled to do. I identified with everything Joe said. Everything. I just sat there spellbound. I listened, feeling that I, too, could see into that world as he described it. It was like looking into a pinhole into the past that was so well described that it became animated in my mind. From this one meeting with Joe, I always felt a kinship with him - like I knew him. I hoped to see him again. Farewell, Joe, and thanks for sharing your story with me. Deb
"Tell me a story.
In this century, and moment, of mania,
Tell me a story.
Make it a story of great distances, and starlight.
The name of the story will be Time,
But you must not pronounce its name.
Tell me a story of deep delight."
-Robert Penn Warren

Joe was a true gentleman and one of the last of that type. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Through his bright blue eyes, you could feel his love of life, love of family, and duty to care for those he loved. I will always remember Joe as a man of integrity and calm, his presence will be missed. Peaceful journey to Joe.
Krista Nagel

We will always have the memories of our visits to Joe's ranch in Yoakum, where he made us feel at home with his wonderful hospitality and generous soul. It was a beautiful, peaceful place; a reflection of who he was. We were looking forward to his friendship for many years to come, and we will truly miss him.
Ray and Beth Brown

Your legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
Bob Smith

From Joe's lifelong friend and colleague, John Conway:
Joe Drabek was one of the most highly regarded construction project managers to work on facilities in the oil and gas development sector. He spent a good part of his career on major projects on the North Slope of Alaska and also managed two major projects in Russia, one for ExxonMobil on the Russia east coast on Sakhalin Island and another for Rosneft, the Russian Oil Company, in Eastern Siberia.
Joe developed strong relationships with both clients and employees alike and will be remembered most for his relaxed style and his ability to bring a team together. The “Good Brother", a term he used to describe himself and those close to him, was truly unique. He will not be replaced, but fondly remembered and serve as an example for all of us.

Joe left us all so suddenly and unexpectedly... we are all still in shock and so sad. He was loved by so many and will be missed greatly.  He was truly a very kind, loving and generous mate to me as well as father to his daughter, Melissa and her children Ethan and Katelyn and his son-in-law Chris. I will write a proper tribute when I can compose myself enough to do it. But for now, please share memories and pictures as you can. It will all be much appreciated and I'll be adding lots of pictures and memories too. This website is for a lifetime, so please check back from time to time.

OBITUARY

Joseph Everett Drabek
Austin, Texas — Joseph (Joe) Everett Drabek, 72, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 5, 2018, in Austin, Texas. 
Joe was born on September 25, 1946, in Hallettsville, Texas, the son of Joseph Steven and Irene Rose (Rothbauer) Drabek. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Janet Drabek, and his sister Carolyn Dossey. He is survived by his wife, Linda Firestone, his daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Chris Ratcliff, his grandchildren Ethan and Katelyn Ratcliff, his former wife (Melissa’s mother) Anna Torstenson and many extended family members.
Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1964-1969 as an E4 Engineer. After leaving the service, Joe began his career as a mechanical engineer/project manager in the oil and gas industry, working in Ireland, England, Norway, South Africa, Russia, and various other locations including Alaska.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 19th at 1:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery located at 1421 Cemetery Road, Hallettsville, Texas 77964. A family reception will follow from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Family Center at 306 South Glendale, Hallettsville, Texas 77964 (next to the church).
A Celebration of Life will also be held Sunday, January 20th at 1:00 PM at 7905 Tiger Eye Cove, Austin Texas 78749.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Blue Bonnet Youth Ranch, dedicated to helping abused and neglected youth, at 4652 US Highway 77A South, Yoakum, Texas 77995 (361-293-3546), www.bluebonnetyouthranch.org.

Memories of Joe, including comments and photographs, are welcomed at the Forever Missed website, www.forevermissed.com.