Joseph Edward "Joe" McMullin

Joe grew up in Houston and graduated from Stratford High School in 2008. He continued his education through the VAST program at Houston Community College and completed an associates degree in Audio Recording Technology in 2017. After graduating, Joe started his career working various jobs in AV across Houston. You might find him working sound at the Houston Pride Parade downtown in the 110° heat, supporting a production at the Alley Theatre, or working part-time at various hotels and conventions across the Houston area. AV was his joy and it helped him transition into a career with KBR, which opened up so many new doors for him. As an Administrative Specialist within the Business Development group at KBR, he was a dedicated team member and was about to celebrate his 5th anniversary with the company. While Joe loved to work, what he did for work was not solely what defined him. Whether meeting new people, attending music events, furthering his education, or helping others— Joe was viewed by all as a brave, kind, and compassionate person in their life. He was a beloved son, loving brother, proud uncle, and the most loyal friend.

Joe was inspiring and touched the lives of those who took the time to know him. Starting at birth, Joe was dealt a unique set of obstacles that made common tasks challenging for him. Life drew lines in the sand for Joe that he defied and erased with his own determination and the love and support of the people around him. Good people are drawn to good people, and Joe had nothing but great people supporting, loving, and cheering him along. Life can be hard at times— he never gave up and always did the right things to persevere. He ran half-marathons, paved his own path to vegetarianism, and was secure enough to attend concerts alone, often arriving way too early so he could be front of stage. He lived life so courageously.

He was passionate about music, the arts and entertainment, movies, social justice, and most of all, people. You could find Joe at a local record shop, concert event, or theater production multiple times a week. He enjoyed all genres of music and his record collection reflects it. Joe enjoyed food, from trying his hand at new fun baking recipes, to cooking vegetarian dishes, to his love for Taco Bell. Joe also loved a cold Dr Pepper (or two, or three).

Joe is survived by his parents, Christopher and Lynn McMullin of Houston, his brother and sister-in-law Matthew and Anna McMullin of Houston, his niece Hazel McMullin, and soon-to-arrive niece Joelle McMullin. He is also survived by his paternal grandfather Terry McMullin, and numerous aunts and uncles: Desanne (known to all as Auntie) and Allan Muras, Mike Kennedy, Eddie Kennedy, Beth and Nigel Cook, Jeff and Marlene McMullin, Todd and Shannon McMullin, and Kaydee McMullin and Michael Curtis. He is also survived by many cousins: Lisa, Jason, Colleen, Stephanie, Michael, Garrett, Andrew, Meg, Danny, Brooke, Amber, Nick, Thomas, and Lyndie. Joe is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Earl Edward and Dolores Kennedy, and paternal grandmother Elizabeth McMullin.

His family asks that you hold onto memories of Joe: his smile (the ones so big that he'd have to cover his mouth with his hand), his laugh (the hard ones where he'd slap his leg), and music (find that song that makes you think of him and stop for a moment when you hear it so you can remember how lucky you were to have him in your life). Borrow his courage when yours is low. And do not let his death be how you remember him.

A gathering to honor Joe is planned for Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Active Passion Coffee from 4-6pm. Address is 803 Usener St, Houston, TX 77009. To honor Joe, the family requests that donations be made in his name to either Kid’s Meals (https://kidsmealsinc.org/give/) or the Alley Theatre (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/N5rFnQ?vid=ye06r). You may click on the links below to donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.waltripfuneraldirectors.com for Joe's family.