Joseph Gibson Bethea

Joseph Gibson Bethea, known to most simply as Joe, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the age of 18.

Born in Claremore, Oklahoma on May 24, 2007, Joe spent his entire life in the community he loved. He was educated through the Classical Conversations Homeschool Program and proudly graduated in the spring of 2025. He had planned to start the ATP Program at Oklahoma Aviation in Bethany, where he planned to pursue his passion for aviation.

Joe was a gifted athlete with a love for basketball and lacrosse, but his talents didn’t stop there. He had a natural curiosity for how things worked—constantly taking things apart just to figure out how to put them back together. If it involved the outdoors, Joe was all in. Whether it was riding horses, snowboarding, cliff jumping, or spending countless hours hunting and fishing, he thrived in nature. He never met a wild game animal he didn’t want to hunt or a fish he didn’t want to catch.

His faith was central to his life. Joe was deeply involved in First Methodist Church of Claremore. He was an active participant in youth group and, after aging out, took the next step to become a Sunday School teacher. Most recently, he lit up the room as the Vacation Bible School mascot, bringing laughter and joy to kids all week long.

Joe had a spark about him—a contagious energy that lifted those around him. He was the breath of fresh air for his friends and family. The one who encouraged you, picked you up when you were down, and flashed that signature smile that somehow made everything feel okay. When Joe cared about something, he went all in. For his high school thesis, he dove into the topic of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agency and presented a bold case for its abolition. By the time he finished, people were convinced.

He had a mind for the unusual and a knack for trivia that left people wondering, “How did you even know that?” And of course, Joe always had to have the last word—or at least the last witty comeback. Especially with his brothers.

Joe is survived by his parents, David and Amy (Gibson) Bethea; brothers, David Bethea Jr. and Will Bethea; and a host of close relatives who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ted and Margaret Gibson, and Dr. Ralph and Lizzette Bethea.

Joe will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, unwavering faith, endless curiosity, and the joy he brought into every room. He left a mark on this world that won’t soon be forgotten.