Roll Call Tribute

Joe Melching Wanenmacher, III 

October 15, 1957 - June 8, 2024 

Joseph Melching Wanenmacher, III died peacefully on 8 June 2024 at his home in Austin surrounded by friends and family. Joe was born on 15 October 1957 in Austin, TX to Joseph M. Wanenmacher Jr. and Barbara Walla. He spent his childhood in Houston and teenage years in Tulsa, graduating from Thomas Edison High School.

Joe attended Oklahoma State University, followed by Texas A&M Galveston, graduating with a BS in Marine Science. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Shortly after, he began an exciting and rewarding career as a manager of offshore drilling rigs, first with Reading and Bates, followed by Ensco. During these years, he met and later married his wife, Sheryl.

Their overseas assignments included West Africa, Brasil, Indonesia, Dubai, Australia, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Thailand. Joe lived life in each location with great zeal. His adventures included African safaris, trans-American Motorcycle rides, mountain biking, golf, water and snow skiing and scuba diving.

Joe is survived by his wife Sheryl, siblings Mark (Bunny), Kari (Craig Mulky), Roben Williams (Kevin), many nieces and nephews, and grandnephew August V. Oliphint.

Joseph was beloved by many for his kind and generous ways which extended to all animals, particularly dogs (although he did try to kill one with a coconut after it bit him whilst he cycled in Thailand!). To honor his love for dogs, we ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation to your local animal shelter be made in Joe's name.