Obituary for Joe Walcott

Joe Leroy Walcott

May 15, 1947 – April 24, 2019

In the Twinkle of an eye, Joseph L Walcott age 72, lept through the sunset sky to enter the gates of heaven. Left behind, no longer needed were the encumbering wheel chairs, leg braces, crutches, canes and every day pain of the past 70 years.

Born to Joseph P. and Judy Reola Walcott on May 15, 1947. He spent his younger years growing up in Kaw City, OK. He later attended Ponca City Schools, graduating from PoHi in 1968. He also attended and graduated from Okmulgee Technical School.

Joe contracted Polio at age 3 which left him with paralysis in his left hip and leg. His aunt Grace Walcott Seaveno recalls having to carry him home from school because he played too rough or jumped out of a tree.
Never one to give in or give up, Joe played hard. He rode horses, loved fishing and dirt bikes, he wants known as a mischief maker but he also was always a hard worker. He started a mowing business at age 12, pushing his lawn mower from home to home to earn spending money. Over the years he had several jobs. He worked on several construction crews. Yes, he climbed ladders with his full leg brace. He built cabinets for Safeway stores owned his own handyman business and his last employment was with Smith Tool until they encouraged him to take medical retirement after 26 years.

From an earlier marriage Joe is survived by daughters Belinda Battles, husband Rick of Ponca City; Michelle Sewell, fiancé Gerald Grace of Blackwell; and Sandy Campbell of Florida

Also surviving is Gail his wife of 26 years, daughter who he always claimed as his own Rachel Young and husband Brad of Edmond, and mother in love Maxcine Peckenpaugh.

As long as his health permitted Joe and Gail enjoyed traveling, taking long and short trips with friends and eating out. He kept fishing as long as his health permitted and later took up gardening.

Due to failing health Joe moved to Hilcrest Nursing Center in July of 2018. His happiest days were when grandkids walked through his door and said, “Hi Papa.”

Joe insisted on planting tomatoes and peppers just a few weeks ago. The family hopes to see bright red and green veggies in his planters this summer. The sight will give them cause to smile.

Funeral services at Grace Memorial Chapel will begin at 10:00 on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

Minister Justin Pickup will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, OK. Casket bearers will include: Brad Young, Roman Sottilo, Colt Sewell, Harold Roberts, Mike Morriss, Gary Peckenpaugh, and David Peckenpaugh.

Friends are welcome to pay their respects at the funeral home on Friday from noon until 6 p.m. the family will be present to receive guests from 6-8 p.m. on Friday.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hillcrest Nursing home and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma at 455 Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601.