Joseph A. Lacher Jr., 75, went to be with the lord on September 24, 2018 from complications of recent surgeries. Joe was born on June 18, 1943 in Columbia, Tennessee. He was the oldest son of Joe Sr. and Jessie Lacher. He is survived by his wife, Francine Starr, his younger brother, Jerry Lacher and wife Carol, his son Bill Lacher and wife Cindy, son Jason Helm and wife Amy, daughter Kelly Helm, step daughter Carole and husband Donald Griffith, step daughter Kathy and husband Randy Schultz, and step son Richard Starr and wife Katrina. Joe was also a grandfather of 15, and a great grandfather of 14. He is proceeded in death by his parents and younger son Chris Lacher. Joe joined the United States Army in 1965. He served his country proudly for 8 years, including multiple tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was a decorated helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, receiving 2 Purple Hearts and 2 Bronze Service Stars during his tours of deployment. He was very proud of his military career and followed the legacy of his father by serving our country. He retired from the Army in 1973 with the rank of captain. Joe settled in Garland where he has lived for the past 40 years. Joe joined the civilian workforce as an equipment salesman, specializing in emergency vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances. Once Joe entered the retirement portion of his life, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren growing up. He enjoyed traveling, RV'ing and camping with friends and family. Joe and Francine have traveled through much of the United States where they shared many fond memories. Joe was also the type of man that thought there was no project that he couldn't handle by himself. He took on projects like they were challenges. One way or another, he would usually accomplish the task at hand. Joe Jr. will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is now at peace with the Lord and he will be forever watching over his family. We love you. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday October 3rd at Charles Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Sachse, Texas 75048. There will also be a graveside service with military honors at 1:00 pm on Wednesday October 3rd at The Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org