Joe Tom Bement passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on January 14, 2024. Joe was born on May 18, 1933, to Joe and Bessie (Thomason) Bement in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Joe's zest for life was evident from his early days. His father's change in employment took the family to Long Beach, California during WWII, and eventually back to his home state in 1945 where he graduated from Wetumka High School in 1951. High school was just the beginning of Joe's adventures; he was a triple-threat athlete who later carried his passion for education through to East Central State University and the University of Tulsa. His pursuit of knowledge led him to earn a diploma in Biblical Studies from the Southern Baptist Seminary Extension in 1996.

On January 1, 1955, Joe married Carolyn Davis in her hometown of Weleetka, OK - with whom he shared the joys and challenges of raising their two children, Teresa and Mark in Tulsa with a move to Houston in 1975. Even after their paths diverged, Joe's love and respect for Carolyn remained, a testament to the deep bond they shared until her death in 2006.

Professionally, Joe's 45-year career in oil and gas began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and took him across the United States to San Jose, California, back to Oklahoma, and eventually Houston where he resided for almost 50 years. His dedication saw him rise through the ranks to become a respected figure in the industry, notably with Sunray DX Oil Co., Sun Oil Co., and finally Duke Energy, where he retired as Director of Wholesale Sales LPG.

Yet, Joe's heart was always closest to his faith. He served as a lay minister in Christian churches in Oklahoma and Texas, where he also enjoyed the privilege of being a Sunday School teacher and a prison ministry leader. His commitment to service saw him embark on mission trips with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board to Australia, Brazil, and Costa Rica, spreading compassion and fellowship. Joe's legacy is cherished by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who continue to walk in the warmth of his love and integrity.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mike Bement, and his son, Mark Bement. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Jeff) Bryant; grandchildren Jennifer (Lawrence) Kirk, Allison (Evan) Carthey, and Mark (Ciara) Bement; and 6 great-grandchildren Cade Carthey, Sidney Bement, Cannon Carthey, Everly Kirk, and Zoe Bement.

At Whiskey River, Joe was a country and western dance enthusiast, known for his weekly presence and charm for several years. He made it his mission to dance with every lady on the dance floor, creating a fun persona loved by many.

Joe's life teaches us the power of unwavering faith, the endurance of love, and the joy of friendship. As he believed from the Bible, "To have friends, one must first be a friend." In his memory, we hold close the laughter, wisdom, and spirit of a man who lived fully, loved generously, and left this world better than he found it. His parting message was simple yet profound: live with love, cherish your faith, and always be a friend. Joe's story doesn't end here; it continues in the hearts of all those he touched.

Celebration of Life Service for Joe Bement will be on Thursday, January 25 at 1:00 pm CST. It will be located at Champion Forest Baptist Church in the Campus Chapel. Address is 15555 Stuebner Airline Rd., Houston, TX 77069.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/