Joseph Edward Whittaker
Joseph Edward Whittaker (62) of Spring, Texas passed away peacefully in his family home on June 8, 2023, in Livingston, Texas. Born January 30, 1961, in Oceanside, California; he was raised in Texas City, Tx. After his parents’ divorce, Joseph’s mother married James V. Tingle. James loved and raised Joseph as his own wonderful son. Teaching him the trade of carpentry and electrical work. His mother Natalie was a devoted mother who loved and cared for Joseph until his final day, always by his side, with words of love, encouragement, and understanding only a mother could give her son.
Joseph was a graduate of Texas City High School and College of The Mainland (Welding School). He began a career as a welder and later advanced his career as a Radiography Technician / Trainer (offshore).
Joseph devoted his life to his family and his beloved kitty Summer; He loved playing his guitar, riding motorcycles, and listening to music from the ’60s and ’70s. Joseph was blessed by gentle humanity that seemed to flow in abundance, impacting anyone in his presence. Joseph’s Christian faith was an essential part of his life. Joseph was full of light and joy and always had a beautiful smile on his face with kindness in his heart. He loved the outdoors and spending time at his family home in Livingston, Tx. He was also a problem solver who often took on difficult tasks and projects around his and his sister Shellie’s house. He even devised and built a bridge in her attic for easy access to storage!
Joseph is preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Beth Whittaker, the most important person in his life, his father Henry Whittaker, stepfather James V. Tingle, and Grandparents Joe Vasquez and Alice Vasquez.
He is survived by his devoted mother; Natalie Tingle, brother; Jon Whittaker (Bernita) sisters; Joyce Boggs (Donnie) and Shellie Tingle- Esquivel (Reymund); nieces; Natalie Tingle-Esquivel and Candance Whittaker, nephew; Daniel Boggs, aunt(s); Belinda Jobe and Kay Hightower, uncle; Ignacio Vasquez, and cousin(s) Sherman Wilson, Nicholas Vasquez, Jeff Vasquez, Jolynn Vasquez, and Lydia Vasquez.
Joseph had a special bond with his cousins Jeff Vasquez and Sherman Wilson as they shared his love for music. He also had a special niece Natalie Tingle-Esquivel who shared a close connection in their love for animals. Joseph’s cherished cat, Summer, has been adopted by Natalie.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor to meet this incredible man.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to a no-kill animal shelter of your choice. Organizations Joseph was deeply passionate about.
My first memory of Joe….
Jeff and I were hanging out at a lady of Fatima dance and Jeff had been playing the drums up on the stage, Joe stood front and center with me as we watch Jeff do his thing with the other musicians. It was a time of innocence and care free times. After the dance, Joe would only drive us around in a Volkswagen if we would feed him endless red life savers.
Later in life he and I ended up bonding again as we healed from a few road blocks we hit around the same time.
No matter if having fun or healing, his humor & laughter was contagious.
I send sincere condolences to you all.
Prayers are surrounding.
Joseph, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for being such an amazing brother to me. You’ve always been there for me, from the time I was a little girl all the way through college. I can’t tell you how much your support and encouragement have meant to me over the years. You’ve always been my biggest fan, but little did you know that I was your biggest fan too. I miss you so much and I hope you know that you’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Joseph, I hope you know just how very special you are to me. Thank you for being my big brother. I’m going to miss you so very much I take comfort in knowing that you’re in a better place than I am. Please be my angel and guide me. Give Laura Beth and Trey Ryan big hugs for me. I love you
Joe, I hope you knew how very much I love you, what an honor it is to be your little sister. You always made sure when and where you could that I was safe, and protected. Thank you for teaching me how to drive in that beetle bug! I think the biggest lesson I learned from you was, when you told me that it just isn’t worth the time or energy to “hate” anyone, despite what they do or say to you! That is not a reason to hate. I love you brother, I’m going to miss your smile, your words of wisdom and you’re kindest to all of Gods creatures. Please give Laura Beth and my Trey Ryan big hugs. I have one last request of you… please be my angel and continue to guide and protect me.