Joseph H. Webster

Joseph Henry Webster Jr., age 88, joined Christ in Heaven on Saturday, October 13, 2012. Joe, as he is known to family and friends, was a man of God. He was born on July 28, 1924, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Ida Trophenia Graham and Joseph Henry Webster Sr. Joe had one sister Gloria and a brother Fred, both deceased. Joe was a pioneer of WKY Radio and WKY Television, now KFOR News. He grew up in Savannah, Georgia, with his parents and siblings. At the early age of four, Joe, with his melodic voice and perfect pitch, began singing in the church choir and eventually on stage. He was featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" for his remarkable memory of knowing hundreds of songs. During the early years, his adored Aunts Ethel and Ruth, would ask a dear friend to take Joe to singing lessons and various engagements. That family friend was the late great song writer Johnny Mercer. In high school, Joe's family moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. During high school, Joe had his own dance band and sang weekly on KVOO Radio in Tulsa. Joe's voice was always compared to the legendary Frank Sinatra, his favorite singer. He served with great distinction in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, achieving the rank of Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Army in the Rhineland Central Europe Campaign. He was honorably discharged in 1950. Joe received several ribbons, conduct medals and two bronze service stars. He was also recognized as an expert marksman. After the war ended, he attended Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, on the GI Bill, and sang with the popular Jimmy Baker Orchestra. There, he met the beautiful and talented girl singer with the band, Shirleen Rosemary Fuhring. The two later married in Wesley Methodist Church and celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary on November 6. He joined WKY Radio as a staff vocalist, singing during live broadcasts from the top floor of the Skirvin Towers. Joe appeared on the "Kate Smith Television Show," "Ed Sullivan Show" and "Art Linkletter Show," as well as a local variety show "Anthony Avenue." He also sang with the famous Duke Ellington Orchestra during a performance in Oklahoma City. Joe was an architectural sales manager for 36 years and a member of the American Legion, Phi Delta Theta, dedicated usher at Christ the King Catholic Church, little league baseball and softball coach, and volunteered with other organizations. Joe always had his Bible beside him. He was a band leader until last year, when he retired. However, Joe never stopped singing. And, his jokes, stories and laughter live on. His warmth, humor, spirit, intelligence, great depth for love and kindness are only part of what he leaves behind. Joe is survived by his wife, Shirleen; as well as two sons: Joseph Kirk Webster, Ed.D, (wife Katherine Zablatnik Webster), from Edmond; and Mark Douglas Webster (wife DeeLee Hague Webster), from Missouri; and two daughters: Lori AnnMarie Webster, from Oklahoma City; and Juli Leigh Regier (husband Randy Regier, D.D.S.), from Kansas City. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie (husband Craig Torczon), Joseph Kirk (J.K.) and Jennifer Webster; as well as Christopher, Zachary and Alexandra Webster; and also Stanley and Andrew Crawford, and Ryann Regier, and great-grandson Connor Torczon. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8005 Dorset Drive, Oklahoma City. Graveside interment is at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 8701 Northwest Expressway, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Share and Care Club at Christ the King Church.