Joel Brent Whicker

It is with sorrow and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joel Brent Whicker, our beloved father, Pawpaw, uncle, and cousin on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Joel was born to Charles Whicker and Dorothy (née Fuqua) Whicker in Edcouch, Texas on April 29, 1947. Early in his childhood, Charles and Dorothy moved their family to Pensacola, Florida before settling in Corpus Christi, Texas. Joel graduated from Mary Carroll High School in 1965 and attended Del Mar Community College. Joel went on to join the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force he served as a Sergeant in medical supply, when his hospital unit earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award before being honorably discharged. While back in Corpus Christi, Joel met the love of his life, Emita Ann Day, at a party. As Joel and Emita said the rest of their lives, it was love at first sight. They wed on December 3, 1977 and had their first and only child together, their daughter, Kasaundra, on March 29, 1979. Their marriage also brought to Joel two sons, who he devotedly took on as his own: Tate Rischard and Travis Roice Beaufeaux. The family then moved to Wynnewood, Oklahoma where he and Emita spent the next 20 years of their lives.

 Joel worked in the oil industry as a pipe threader for many years. Following this time in his life, he turned his efforts to providing audio, technological, and logistical support for services and fellowship to the clergy and congregants at the Assembly of God Church of Wynnewood. He and Emita served as custodians of the church for many years from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. His time spent with this congregation led to many life-long friendships and brought great spiritual comfort to Joel throughout his life. The unfortunate and sudden passing of their son, Travis, drew Joel and Emita to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to be closer to their surviving children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Following the passing of his loving wife in February of 2020, Joel spent his final years as a resident in the Tuscany Village Nursing Center of Oklahoma City. Drawn closer to God by this loss, Joel spent the latter years of his life as a congregant at Life Church of Midwest City, Oklahoma. It was at Tuscany Village that Joel made many great friendships with residents and staff as well as met his loving partner, Linda Mew, with whom he spent the last several months of his life.

 The family takes great comfort in knowing that Joel is now at peace and is in the company of God, countless family and friends. Joel is predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Emita Whicker; his parents Charles and Dorothy Whicker; his brother Glen (also known as Chuck) Whicker; and his son Travis Beaufeaux. Joel is survived by his daughter, Kasaundra Whicker of Jones, Oklahoma; his son Tate Beaufeaux (Sheila) of Choctaw, Oklahoma; his grandchildren Travis and Carter Ryan of Oklahoma City; Bret Beaufeaux of New York, New York; Trenton Beaufeaux of Denton, Texas; and Jasper Beaufeaux of Choctaw, Oklahoma; his partner Linda Mew of Oklahoma City; cousins Leslie Whicker of Port Noarlunga, South Australia, Australia; cousin Mike Whicker of Rockport, Texas; and Bill Whicker of Elkton, Kentucky; as well as brothers-in-law Harly Day (Karen) of Corpus Christi, Texas and Truitt Day (Debbie) of Calallen, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Arrangements for cremation were under the direction of Oklahoma City Cremation in accordance with Joel’s wishes. Joel’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service that will be held at a later date. Details will be announced once available. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joel’s name to Veterans of Foreign Wars at vfw.org.