John Joe Haller

As in Joe’s most recent recording- Changes, which he finished writing on Thanksgiving 2025, he traded his worn-out body for his angel wings on May 4, 2026 at 8:33 a.m. at home surrounded by family.

Joe was born on August 7,1956 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Joe and Betty Rubach Haller and is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his son Jake (Sunshine) Haller; his children by heart Shane McCord; Melissa (Steve) Childers; Annie (Jake) Pershall; and Luke (Amanda) Kerr and his only sibling Marilyn (Bruce) Arnold. His most precious survivors are his Grandchildren- Jaci & Ben; Haylee; Daegan & Anna; Kena & Hunter; Sydney; Maely; Maverick & Lauren; Addie; Katey; Tye & Meg; Logan; Maddie; Gunner; Layla; Jacob; Avery; Drew; and PJ. Joe was blessed with six Great Grandchildren- Kash; Gus; Wren; Haven; Kian; Kylie, and his namesake to be little Lottie Jo. He was preceded in death by his Father Joe Haller and his Mother Betty Haller. Joe was a believer in Christ and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1971.

Joe spent nearly 50 years in the car business, where he built not only a career but countless friendships. He looked forward to his near nightly calls from the brother he never had and his best friend- Chad Cummins. He often joked that he had 49 great years of success in the business, and one year that proved even he couldn’t sell that situation. But hey, even the best engines misfire once.

Known for his gift of conversation he never met a stranger and could light up any room he walked into. Music was a lifelong passion- he was a singer and songwriter who found joy in telling stories through his songs, right up to his final recordings in late February.

Joe had a deep love for his grandchildren and was instrumental in sharing his gift of music with them. Whenever one of them showed even the slightest interest, he made sure they had an instrument in their hands- drums, clarinets, guitars, harmonicas, bongos, and more.

One of the greatest gifts he gave them was a heart for serving others. If they were out of school on Friday they were helping to prepare Mobile Meals for homebound seniors at the St. James Baptist Church in Spencer, Oklahoma, where he found great joy in cooking for seniors, stocking the food pantry, and delivering meals to give back to the community.

After retirement, Joe continued his mission of service through music. He volunteered with SSM Hospice Home Services and Russell Murray Hospice as a “musical volunteer” bringing comfort and joy to patients in nursing homes, hospice facilities, private homes, and the Gold House. Even when carrying his keyboard became difficult, he kept going- often with the help of his children, grandchildren, or Debbie by his side. He never said no when he was called to serve.

He always said that singing for those patients brought him more joy than it did for them. He instilled in his grandchildren, from an early age, the importance of giving to others. He was incredibly proud that each of them carries a loving heart and is now passing that same compassion on to the next generation. Joe talked to Kash one night and after the call said that having your great grandson tell you that he is praying for you during your illness takes away any pain and affirms the legacy of faith and the investment of parenting is worth its weight in gold.

Joe had a Servant’s heart, and it was evident by the way he cared for family, friends, and anyone in his community. He always told Debbie that when he was gone, if she ever needed anything, call his oldest and dearest friend in life- Ricky Haley. We will dearly miss his witty humor, endless jokes, and infectious smile. He was known for having little patience, but he more than made up for it with his enormous heart and yes, we will all miss hearing him say……Stay IN or OUT!!!

Fly high and see ya later, Big Papa. We love you to the Moon and Back.

Joe specifically wanted a special Thank You and appreciation to his providers at the Stephenson Cancer Center- Oncologist Dr. Meredith LaRose; Palliative Care and Pain Management Medicine Dr. Sarah Minor; Pain Management Jennifer Freeman-Jobson, ARNP-CNP; and Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Matthew Reinersman. His longtime Cardiologist M. Naveed Ahmed, M.D., and staff at Oklahoma Heart Hospital South and his primary care physician Dr. Gauri Ghate at Community Health Centers of Oklahoma for the loving care and support provided to him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  SSM Hospice Home Health Services, Attn: Jessica Henley, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 601 NW 11th St., Ste 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73103.

A service celebrating his life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 S. Country Club Road, El Reno, OK 73036 on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.