Joseph H. Ambrister, age 83, of Allen, Texas, formerly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away suddenly February 4, 2009. The seventh of eight children, he was born April 3, 1925 in Norman, Oklahoma to Samuel G. and Etta Hutchins Ambrister. He proudly served in the United States Army’s 436 troop carrier group as a radio operator in the European Theatre during World War II. Joe graduated from the University of Oklahoma with both a B.S. in Zoology and a B.S. in Geology. He worked as a geologist for Sinclair Oil Company, Texas Oil and Gas, and later was an independent geologist. A life-long lover of the arts, Joe enjoyed playing the violin and listening to music, and in his later years traveled all over the world. He moved to the Allen area in 1996 to be closer to his grandchildren and forged many new friendships during this time. Joe charmed everyone he met with his wit and sense of humor; and impressed us all with his vast knowledge of history and sports, specifically OU football. He will be missed dearly and the memories of the laughter and kindnesses he shared will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Beverly Osteen and her husband, Richard Osteen of Garland, Texas; grandchildren, Erin Alexis, Aurora Nicole, and Ian Joseph all of Garland, Texas; brother, Edmund G. Ambrister and his wife Carolyn Ambrister of Ft. Worth, and sister-in-law Marjorie Ambrister of Apopka, Florida and numerous other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Etta Ambrister; wife, Phyllis Beverly Ambrister; brothers, Carl, Sam, Jerome and Charles and sisters, Emma Beth Carpenter and Virginia Cameron. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2009 at Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The family and friends are invited to the funeral home at their convenience on Sunday to pay their respects and to sign the register book. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Allen, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas, or the A to Z fund at Allen Veterinary Centre.