Joe Wellman was born November 14, 1948, to Bertie and Nita Wellman in Jasper, TX. He passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the age of 75, in Alexandria, LA, surrounded by his loving family. What a homecoming that must have been!

Joe was full of life and love. As a young child and young man, he moved around a lot. He used to say he attended a different school every year. Until his Junior year of high school when he settled at Hicks High School and graduated in 1967. Hicks was also the place where he met the love of his life, Sylva Wilbanks Wellman. They would go on to celebrate 57 years of marriage and raise their family at the end of Joe Wellman Road. He loved his family like Jesus did every single day. His legacy of love, lessons, compassion and fire for Jesus can be seen through his family.

Joe worked in electrical construction all his life and retired from Roy O. Martin in 2012.

Over the years Pastor Joe carried the message of his Lord Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation to various churches and through the Holy Spirit was able to lead many souls to the Lord Jesus Christ. He retired from pastoring after 43 years of service, but he never quit ministering and spreading the word. He always had a kind word, prayer, hug and smile to offer all he encountered.

Pastor Joe, Bro. Joe, Husband, Daddy, Pop, or Pawpaw as he was so lovingly known. He loved to fish, hunt and garden. He looked forward to the first family camping trip of the hunting season. On summer days you could find Pawpaw with his grandkids digging potatoes. He enjoyed fishing on Toledo Bend and feeling the rock of the boat and enjoying God's beauty. All while claiming how blessed he was. Even though he enjoyed catching a good perch or catfish, he was most proud of his work as a fisher of men.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We will see you on the other side sweet Husband, Dad, Pop and Pawpaw. Save us a hug!

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Bertie and Nita Wellman, his sister Billie Kay Wilbanks, infant sister Georgia Sue Wellman, brother-in-law John O'Malley and nephew Chad Spangler.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Sylva Wellman of Hicks, LA, son's Brett Wellman of Toro,LA, Patrick and Sandra Wellman of Anacoco, LA, Michael and April Wellman of Hicks, LA, sisters Ginger O'Malley of Alvin, TX and Linda and Carlos Medina of Orlando, FL, brother-in-law Doylan Wilbanks of Hicks, LA, sister-in-law Cindy and William Chandler of Hicks, LA, sister-in-law Tammy and Jerry McKenzie of Hicks, LA. 22 grandchildren, Courtney (Dallas) Anderson, Dustin (Victoria)Wellman, Lilly Wellman, RayLynn Wellman, Madalyn Wellman, Seth (Megan) Wellman, Dylan (Kayton) Thompson, Lauren (Trent) Gill, Jade (Kyle) Myers, Conner Joe Wellman, Shay Sigler, Jace Wellman, Jack Wellman, Jesse Wellman, Halo Wellman, and Sadie Wellman. 14 great-grandchildren, Aubrey Hagan, Ryder Jones, Bransyn Anderson, Rylan Ballard, Sarah Wellman, Maycee LaBorde, Sydni Wellman, Gunner Gill, Kennedy Myers, Madlee Wellman, Hadleigh Thompson, Kooper Myers, Harleigh Thompson, and Gavin Gill. And a host of nieces, nephews and friends.