Joe Frank Wheeler

Joe Frank Wheeler, born on January 19, 1943 to Jack and Ruth Wheeler of Corpus Christi, Texas. Passed away on July 15, 2026 in Wichita Falls, Texas at the age of 83.  Joe's request was to not have a formal funeral service of any kind.

Joe lived an amazing life with many adventures, developing his story telling abilities.

Leaving Graham High School at age 17, he joined the US Navy, serving for 4 years. He completed his GED, became a radioman on the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, and traveled the world. One of Joe’s favorite quotes, “I’ve been there, I’ve done that!”

In 1964, Joe drove to Yosemite National Park, California, where he knew several Texas friends already working there. He hocked his watch and spare tire in Bakersfield to buy fuel to finish the trip. He spent his first night in Yosemite in a huge Sierra snowstorm in his vehicle on New Year’s Eve. He got a job with the Yosemite Park and Curry Company, starting work as a taxi-cab driver, a trackman at the Badger Pass ski resort, a laborer who helped set up the High Sierra Camps for many years in the beautiful high country, he learned to be a journeyman painter. Joe eventually worked his way to a management level where he was the Chief of Transportation and Facility services for the park concessionaire. He always spoke highly of his time in Yosemite, the beauty and the people he knew.

Not having been in Yosemite for long, Joe met his wife Ann, they were married for 43 years. They had one daughter, Johanna.

After Ann’s passing in 2008, Joe moved back to Graham, Texas, where he was surrounded by great friends he’d grown up with and family. Joe enjoyed helping with his Graham High School class reunions.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Johanna Wheeler (Jamestown, TN), and his brother, Jeff Wheeler (North Richland Hills, TX), along with many family and friends.

Preceding in death, his parents Jack and Ruth Wheeler. His wife Ann Wheeler.

Special thanks to Elison Assisted Living in Graham Texas, where Joe lived for the past year and a half. He enjoyed reconnecting with many of his Graham classmates, while making new friends, going on outings and telling good stories.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a local animal shelter would be very meaningful to Joe who was an animal lover.