Joann Wheeless

Joann Wheeless, 63, of Kempner passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Killeen. A Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Robertson Ave. Baptist Church, 305 Robertson Ave in Copperas Cove. Joann was born on March 23, 1952 in Belton, Texas to Thomas and Utahna Shaw Wheeless. She graduated from Copperas Cove High School in 1970 and attended Central Texas College and Austin Community College. She was proud to have been a charter member of the Robertson Ave Baptist Church. Joann worked at Killeen Daily Herald and later in print shops in Austin. She was an avid writer of short stories and poems some of which were published. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Wheeless in 1994; and an infant brother, John Shaw Wheeless in 1956. Joann is survived by her son, Stephen Karkanen; grandson, Noah Karkanen; mother, Utahna Wheeless; sisters, Utahna Hancock and husband, Sam; Sarah Jean Wheeless and husband, Patrick Williams; Karen Bell and husband, Ray; brothers, Thomas Wheeless, Jr. and wife, Jamie, Mark Wheeless and wife, Monika; 21 nieces and nephews and 22 great nieces and nephews. Scott’s Funeral Home of Copperas Cove is in charge of arrangements.