Joe Ainesworth

Joe Ainesworth was born on Wednesday, April 4th, 1951 in Claremore, OK. On Wednesday, September 6th, at 8:29 pm, he departed this world surrounded by his family with The Beatles "It's Only Love" filling the air around him. In his final moments, he knew he was deeply cherished and that those he loved were safe by his side, which is all he ever wanted. He was 72 years young. Joe was charming and witty and sarcastic and kind. Anyone he met was already a friend and he instilled in his children the belief that everyone is someone important. He had an unlimited well of knowledge and interest in a wide range of things, including but not limited to: music, especially The Beatles; cars and how to repair them; old westerns; Jimmy Stewart movies; football history and stats of both the Raiders and the OU Sooners; obscure books and fairy tales; fishing and billiards; and games of all varieties, from card to trivia to board to video games, he enjoyed playing them all. His greatest love in life was his family. He raised thirteen children who were his pride and joy. He loved them fiercely and without reservation. He was an iconic grandfather to his seven grandchildren. They all had their own unique bond and special name for him. Whether it was Papa, Pappy, or Papa Joe, his love for them was unwavering and brought untold happiness to his life. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild at the end of this year. His one regret is that he had to go before Ian arrived. It may have taken him longer than most, but he eventually found the love of his life in Pat. She was his loving wife, best friend, and constant companion for the 26 years they shared. His family will miss him as much as he loved them. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." His childhood was spent in various small Oklahoma towns, but if you asked he would claim Nowata and Alluwe as his hometowns. He attended the Seneca Indian School in Wyandotte, OK, then went on to receive automotive technician certifications for almost every make of vehicle you could name. He worked in various auto shops, garages, and dealerships through his more than 47 year career. He realized his dream of owning his own auto repair shop, Joe’s Garage, which he operated from 2003 until his health necessitated an early retirement in 2010. As an adult, he made his home primarily in Tulsa, Nowata, and finally in Bartlesville, where he raised thirteen children with the help of his wife and co-parents. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Bob Allen and Mary Ruth (Jones) Ainesworth; seven brothers: David, Dino, Eddie, Marvin, Mike, Richard, and Robin Ainesworth; three sisters: Aleta Ainesworth, Bobby Winter, and Wigi Black; his father-in-law, Raymond Walker; one niece, Sheila Ainesworth; and one nephew, Tyler Ainesworth. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pat (Walker) Ainesworth; thirteen children and their partners: Aleta and William Gross; Kimberley and Chris Cauthen; Joey and Heather Ainesworth; Heather and Jimmy Basinger; Jason Ainesworth and Wendi Morris; Larry and Amanda Lee; James Ainesworth and May Yang; Tawny Ainesworth and Nita Sexton; Kiefer Ainesworth and Tyler Cline; Jacob, Lilly, Audrey, and Elanor Ainesworth; two sisters: Dondi Henry and Tandy Field; one brother, Tony Ainesworth; seven grandchildren: James and Andrew Basinger; Paige Lee; Kiren and Carissa Cauthen; Libertee Ainesworth; and Annabel Ainesworth; one great-grandchild, Ian Basinger, expected in November; his co-parents: Juanita and Duane Lee and Margie and Bob Moss; his mother-in-law Marletta Walker; one aunt, Kathy Lawrence; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and assorted family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe’s honor to either: The Journey Home, OCSRI Bartlesville Cancer Center, 4 the Animals Veterinary Clinic or the National Indian Child Welfare Association. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, September 14th, at 6:00 pm., at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. The family has also planned a celebration of life "Family Game Night" which all are welcome to attend. It will be on Friday, September 15th, as a come-and-go event beginning at 4:00 pm at the Bartlesville Masonic Lodge. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Joe Ainesworth

April 4, 1951 - September 6, 2023