Joe Ladd Faulk

 Joe Ladd Faulk was born in Port Arthur, Texas on July 28, 1943, to Joe and Joyce Faulk. He moved to Malakoff, Texas at age ten with his parents. There he grew up on a cattle ranch enjoying all that ranch life has to offer, including fishing and hunting. After graduating from high school, he was commissioned as a peace officer and worked first in Athens and then Port Arthur while raising two daughters, Teressa and Joanna, with his first wife. In Port Arthur, he received numerous certifications and commendations. After he left the police department he was employed as a security officer for a major oil and gas company, where he was appointed and commissioned as a special Texas Ranger in 1973. In 1987, he married the love of his life, Jeanette and accepted her two children, Paul and Jennifer, as his own. 

 In 1996, Joe and Jeanette moved to Weatherford, Texas to begin a new chapter. Joe worked security at the Fort Worth Zoo, a job which he thoroughly enjoyed, for ten years before retiring. He was often alone with the animals as he patrolled at night, allowing him unique experiences such as performing CPR on a flamingo in distress and witnessing the birth of a baby hippo. Even outside of the zoo, stray animals gravitated to him, prompting his grandchildren to affectionately call him the “cat whisperer.” 

 Joe lived his faith quietly through his actions and kind treatment of people and animals. He had a generous spirit, buying gifts for those he cared about and always bringing Jeanette flowers. His ever-present white beard and natural padding made him a perfect Santa Claus, a role which he played many times throughout the years, first at the refinery and later as the lead Santa of a motorcycle riding group who delivered Christmas gifts to children in need. 

 Friends and family will remember Joe as having a mischievous sense of humor and as being a creative practical joker. He was also kind and welcoming, a gracious host, ensuring everyone had enough to eat and drink. Always ready to engage in conversation, Joe made everyone feel seen and heard. Joe loved to tell stories and had many different interests, but he especially enjoyed Texas history and folklore, classic country music, westerns, and restoring vintage belt buckles. 

 Joe cherished his five grandchildren and was looking forward to meeting his first great-grandchild due in October. He enjoyed time with them, watching them grow to become wonderful young people. He always told them how proud he was of them. 

 Joe fought a courageous battle with cancer for four long years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Joyce Faulk. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his brother Bill (Mary Lou); his children Teressa, Joanna, Paul (Leah), and Jennifer (Rick); five grandchildren Caroline (Steven), Luke (Kristin), Wren, Willow, and Sam, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

 A time of visitation will be held for family and friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, located at 913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

 A Funeral Liturgy will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., located at St. Stephen Catholic Chapel, 211 South Main Street, Weatherford, Texas.

 A luncheon will follow at the St. Stephen Catholic Church, in the Holy Spirit Center, at 1802 Bethel Road, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

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We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.

The Staff of Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services

https://www.galbreaithpickard.com/