From classemate Barth Robinson:

Joseph Koehler Lukefahr

April 24, 1962 — August 26, 2024

Corpus Christi, Texas

Joseph “Joe” Koehler Lukefahr was born on April 24, 1962, in San Diego, CA, to parents LT David and Patricia (“Patti”) Douglas Lukefahr. At the age of 8 months, he lost his father during a Navy seaplane mission. On his third birthday, his mother remarried to William Wolfe (who was also a Navy pilot) in St. Louis, and he was the ring bearer. Joe graduated from Seoul American Middle High School (South Korea) in 1980, and later studied for a business degree at Texas A&I University. Even as a boy, Joe’s passion was working in the restaurant service business that included Big Scoop, Bonanza, Red Lobster, Landry’s, and lastly Whataburger. A market leader at Whataburger, Joe loved his job and his Whataburger family. 

On September 24, 2021, Joe married the love of his life, Randy Fernandez, and settled in Corpus Christi. Joe and Randy loved to travel on vacations together, and spend quality time with family. Joe had a true heart of gold, always putting others first before himself. Like his first father, he was the family comedian. His presence would brighten anyone’s day with his humor and positive energy. 

Joe is survived by his mother, Patti Wolfe, whom he was very close to; his brothers, Steven (Brenda) and Ben (Brenda) Lukefahr; two sisters, Kathy Parker and Missy Wolfe (Gwen); three aunts, Sr. Irene Lukefahr, Kathleen Lukefahr-Jewell, and Patricia (Wolfe) Michaels; and many cousins and (great) nieces and nephews. Joe was much loved and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive condolences at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, Kingsville, TX; with a celebration of life to begin at 2:00 p.m. Services will conclude that afternoon and a private urn burial will take place at a later date.