VALLEY CENTER — Joe Lynn Wheat, 80, of Valley Center, formerly of Great Bend and Pittsburg, retired Joe’s Welding owner, beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away March 8. He was born in Blytheville, Ark., to William Isaac Wheat and Ollie Marie (Epperson) Wheat.

Mr. Wheat served in the U.S. Navy and was a World War II veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Wheat; son, Rick Wheat and wife Lisa Tetrick of Valley Center; daughter, Debbie Laidler and husband Tom of Pittsburg; and grandchildren, Matt Laidler, Devin Wheat, Katie Laidler, Olivia Laidler, Ross Laidler, Josh Tetrick and Abby Dirks. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Wheat and Ollie and Alfred Ely; brothers, Buddy and Calvin Wheat; sisters, Helen Hereford and Cheryl Smith.

Services are pending with Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center. Memorials may be designated to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.