Dallas City Wire

Joe Kirven, a former special assistant to Gov. William Clements, died on July 5 at the age of 90.

Kirven, whose appointment under Clements was viewed as groundbreaking, steered black candidates to appointments on Texas state commissions. The Booker T. Washington High School grad was also the youngest president of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, appointed to the Dallas City Council and ran for the Dallas School Board.

While at Washington High, Kirven earned an athletic scholarship in football and track for Wiley College, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in science. After college, Kirven started his own business with only $500, growing the ABCO Maintenance Company into a million-dollar company. Over time, he also acquired J & S Chemical along with several real estate investments.

Along with working with all Texas HBCUs, Kirven also worked on minority business issues with two U.S. presidents. In 1968, The Texas Chamber of Commerce named him one of “Five Outstanding Young Texans,” and four years later Ebony Magazine tabbed him as one of the Outstanding Businessmen of the Southwest.

A trustee and deacon of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church and involved in many civic activities, Kirven was particularly proud of his endowed scholarship at Wiley College. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Devoted to his family and friends, Kirven helped countless people obtain jobs and was seen as a true inspiration to many. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gloria, his daughter Josette Valtierra, her husband Gregory Valtierra III, and his grandsons, Gregory Valtierra IV, Michael Valtierra, and many friends and relatives.

Services will be held July 24, at 2 p.m. at Laurel Land Funeral Home. Visitation will be on July 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the same location and masks are strongly encouraged by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be may be made to Wiley College for the Joe Kirven Scholarship Fund.  

The Texas Senate recently adjourned early in remembrance of Kirven, with Texas state Sen. Royce West reflecting from the Senate floor, "His life and legacy will be remembered by those who directly and indirectly benefitted from his efforts as a coalition builder and trailblazing entrepreneur who crossed political lines for the betterment of Texas."

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick added that Kirven was "a great American and a great Texas story."