Joseph Franklin Wheeler Obituary (1932 - 2021)

Joseph Franklin Wheeler, well-loved musician, died on November 20, 2021. Joe was born in Charleston, West Virginia in 1932, and came to Houston with his young family in 1960. He worked by day at Parker Music Company and at night as a big band musician at such Houston icons as the Warwick Hotel, while growing his family. He played in the Houston Rodeo Band for 10 years in the 1980's. After retiring from his day jobs, he played private clubs and private homes for 25 years. He adored entertaining people and worked on his playlists with specific people in mind that he knew would be regulars in attendance. He knew this person's and that person's favorite tunes, and loved it when the children came close so he could play the Flintstones' theme for them, or "You Are My Sunshine." He joyfully worked as a musician until his health forced him to retire a mere four months prior to his passing. He delighted in entertaining all people, and has touched many, many lives over the years with his clarinet, his saxophone, and his heart. Joe is survived by his five children, Joe, Jr., Pat, Carmen, Lisa and Danny. We trust he will be as well-received with his audience in Heaven.