Joel Donald Wheat

Joel Donald Wheat was born in Ethel, Mississippi on Thursday, the 4th of April 1940 to Joel Burton and Lillian (Burchfield) Wheat. He was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, the 27th of January 2012, at the age of 71 in Houston, Texas, his home since the age of 12.

Joel retired from Vetco Gray after 33 years of service. He was a long time member of Clay Road Baptist Church. Joel Donald and his wife Elizabeth Ann were sweethearts and best friends during their 46 year marriage.

Left to cherish his memory are wife, Elizabeth Ann Wheat; daughter, Melissa Ann Meekes and husband Randy Meekes of Houston; son, Paul T. Wheat and wife Linda Wheat of Kerrville, Texas; sister, Audrey Evon Siemsen and husband Robert Siemsen of Jonestown, Texas; brother, Burton Wheat of Redfield, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Glen Putman and wife Ann Putman of Houston; as well as six grandchildren; Austin and Megan Meekes; Elijah, Trinity, Jeremiah and Zane Wheat; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.on Sunday, the 29th of January at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel by Reverend Bruce Northam at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, the 30th of January 2012.

Graveside services and interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale in Houston.

Memorial contributions in Joel’s name may be made to Houston Hospice at (800) 824-2911 or (713) 677-7119. Also, memorials would be appreciated to the Clay Road Church Children and Youth Camp Fund, 9151 Clay Road, Houston, Texas 77080, (713) 462-3401.