Joseph Vincent` "Joe" Wackerman

It is with great love and respect that we announce the passing of Joseph "Joe" Wackerman, who went to be with the Lord Monday, September 9, 2024 at the age of 84. Joe passed away peacefully at Crossroads Senior Care Residence in Montgomery, Texas. Joe was born the oldest son and third oldest of 11 children to Vincent and Margaret Wackerman on July 17, 1940 in Pasadena, California. Growing up, Joe developed a strong love of family, baseball, and going with his dad to Santa Anita to watch the horse races. He carried those same passions with him throughout his life and enjoyed sharing them with family and friends. After graduating high school at St. Francis High School in California, Joe joined the Navy, where he served honorably at naval air stations and on aircraft carriers, including the USS Kitty Hawk. He was awarded a Navy Good Conduct Medal which describes him perfectly! Joe learned instrumentation work for liquid air products in the Navy, which became a lifelong vocation both in California and Texas in the oil and gas industry. Joe worked for Union Carbide/Linde/Praxair for over 30 years and continued to consult post-retirement, showing his love of his trade. Those who worked with Joe had tremendous loyalty and respect for his extensive knowledge and kind demeanor. Joe's pride and joy were his kids, Jeff and Jennifer, raising them with his first wife, Cheryle Durbin, in Deer Park, Texas. Later, Joe married Barbara Jane Andre, who he loved dearly during their nearly 30 years together until his passing. Papa Joe loved his family, friends, his sweet and loyal dog Penny, and his Houston Astros. He had a passion for sports, fishing and playing Cribbage and his favorite drink by far was a cold beer. He will always be remembered as the sweetest, most fun-loving family man who put everyone's needs before his own and often shared his warm heart with a wink and a smile. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him. Joe's final place of rest will be at a Veteran's Cemetery to honor his service to our country. In lieu of a funeral, a Celebration of Life will take place with Joe's family in Los Angeles, California later this year.
Joe leaves behind his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Jennifer Shaunty, his son-in-law Matt Shaunty and their sons Jordan, Jackson and Gavin Shaunty; and his stepdaughter Pamela (Sammi) Ring and her son and daughter-in-law, David Ring and Tanya Smith; Stepdaughter Teri Potts and her daughter and son, Lindsey Abrams and Shane Ingraham; and his daughter-in-law, Apryl Wackerman. He is also leaving behind three of his siblings, Tom Wackerman, Kathy Scavone and Helen Carusone and many nieces and nephews who love him dearly. You may leave written memories to his family at www.shmfh.com
Options for donations in Joe's honor:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) https://www.vfw.org/donate
Catholic Charities USA to support adoption https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ways-to-give/honor-and-memorial-gifts/