Joseph William Sewell

Joseph William Sewell, 87, departed this life to his eternal rest on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Live Oak, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters - Thelma, Dorothy, Ann, and Ruth.

Born January 11, 1934 to the late Isaac Sewell, Sr. and Rosa Lee Shorter Sewell, Joseph graduated from Central High School in Galveston, Texas in 1951 and completed a bachelor’s degree in music at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. After graduation, he joined the Army and played baritone horn in the military symphonic band for two years in Munich, Germany.

After serving in the Army, Joseph worked at Hungerford High School as the band director where he met his wife, Ruth. They married December 28, 1966. After moving back to Galveston, he began teaching for Galveston ISD until his retirement in 1994.

Music was his passion. A self-taught pianist, Joseph began entertaining guests at the historic Hotel Galvez playing piano in the dining room from 1986 to 2019. After retiring from teaching in 1994, Joseph spent his time giving private piano lessons in homes and at Island Music in Galveston.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Ruth Bluntson Sewell; daughter, Rhonda Sewell Dean (André); brother, Isaac Sewell, Jr.; grandchildren, André Paul Dean, Jr. (Alyssa) and Nicholas Alexander Dean; great granddaughters, McKenzie and Spenser; numerous nieces, nephews, family members and close friends.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 10:30 AM with a celebration of life beginning at 12:00. A committal service with military honors will occur Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 9:00 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209.