Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Joseph E. Wooten, Sr.
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Joseph E. Wooten, Sr., age 69, of Minooka, passed away peacefully, Friday, August 22, 2025, at home.
Born March 2, 1956, in Big Lake, TX, he was the son of Joseph Ervin and Bertie Mae (Robinson) Wooten. Joe was raised in Garden City, TX, and was a graduate of Garden City High School, where he was valedictorian of his class, and played 8-man football. He continued his education at the University of Texas Austin, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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Throughout his career, Joe worked at nuclear power plants throughout the country, moving to Illinois in 1998 to work at the Dresden Generation Station. At the time of his passing, he served as a consultant for GSE Consulting.
Joe was a loving and amazing husband, a devoted dad and mentor to his sons, and the best “Paw Paw” ever to his adoring grandsons. He will be remembered for his honesty and loyalty, his deep devotion to his family, and his sense of humor, especially his puns and dad jokes. Although a man of quiet disposition, he possessed a strong depth of character which served him well as Scout Master for Troop 464 of Minooka, helping mold and nurture the young men of his community.
An avid reader, Joe especially enjoyed science fiction and history, was very knowledgeable with the ability to recall facts and trivia, and was an amateur historian. He also had a passion for raising chickens, a pastime well suited for Joe and Judy’s beautiful country home. Joe also loved launching model rockets and following 6-man football.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Judith M. (Jurka) Wooten of Minooka; his sons, Joseph “Joe” (fiancé Keenan) Wooten of Key West, FL, Robert “Bobby” (Lauren) Wooten of Naperville, IL, Thomas “Tom” (Lindsey) Wooten of Cibolo, TX, and James “Jimmy” Wooten of The Trail; four grandsons, A.J., Gavin, Eddie and Mitchell, and a new arrival coming in October; and a brother, Gerald (Donna) Wooten of Sheffield, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Stuart and David Wooten; and his wife’s siblings, Dan Jurka and Patricia Jurka.
Visitation for Joseph Wooten will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, with a Time of Reflection at 8:00 p.m., by friend, Pastor Randy Blan, of Families of Faith in Channahon.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 303 W. St. Mary's Street, Minooka, IL 60447. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment will be in Garden City, TX at a later date.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
