of Benton, AR
September 25, 1929 - December 14, 2017
Joseph Ernest (Joe) Santo, Jr., 88, of Benton, Arkansas passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017. He was born September 25, 1929 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Irene and Joseph Santo Sr. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Joe Baker Santo; sister, Sandra Santo; and grand daughter, Andrea Santo.
Joe was the quintessential Southern Baptist Minister of Music. He combined the desirable characteristics of personality, musicianship, and leadership that allowed him to excel in church music work. He was a skilled pianist, organist, and choral leader.
Early in his childhood, he excelled with piano and violin lessons. He played violin in the Fortier High School orchestra in New Orleans and in the LSU Symphony Orchestra. He was awarded the Cuadell Cup at Louisiana College in a piano competition. Early in his teens, he played piano for various revival services.
He received his Bachelor's degree in music from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and his Master's degree in music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
He was an active member of the American Guild of Organists and the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (now called Handbell Musicians of America). He was also active in the Choristers' Guild. He enjoyed, and was proud, of his participation in the Southern Baptist Convention Chorus of Church Musicians, the Century Men, and the Singing Men of Arkansas.
Joe is remembered as one of the pioneers among Southern Baptist Ministers of Music who led choirs to dramatize oratorios, direct Youth Choirs on concert tours, and help introduce English handbell ringing in a church music setting. Throughout his career, Joe's productions of major oratorios and off-Broadway musicals were held in highest esteem. While maintaining active and vibrant adult, youth, and children choirs in church, he also directed, accompanied, and was soloist for community choruses.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lucille Santo of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Sue Ellen Rankin (Casey) of Benton, Arkansas; brother, Bill Santo (Louise) of Pensacola, Florida; two grandsons, Chris Lance (Leslie) of Benton, Arkansas and Baker Santo of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; granddaughter, Brooke Moseley (Andrew) of Benton, Arkansas; three great-grandchildren, Hank Moseley of Benton, Arkansas, Kristen Wright of Benton, Arkansas and Abby Petty of Benton, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Janie Demps Quattlebaum Santo Busby of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; cousin, Betty Ruth Harrison; and numerous close friends that he cherished as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, at First United Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas with a time of visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the music ministry of First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Market St. Benton, AR, 72015.
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4 Condolence(s)
Trish Rugeley
Monday, December 18, 2017
My family members have fond memories of Joe and Lucille. Joe had the ability to engage church members of all ages. My parents enjoyed traveling with Joe on trips with the seniors' group from Broadmoor Baptist, Living Longer and Loving It (LLL). My daughters were fortunate enough to be members of a youth choir which traveled to Arkansas to do mission work and share the Gospel through music. On that trip, I was privileged to chaperone. Many memories were made due to Joe's leadership and love of music. Prayers for Lucille and the many family members-what a wonderful legacy.
Nancy Provost
Monday, December 18, 2017
Joe was a wonderful musician. I had the pleasure of belonging to Edensong chorus in Heber Springs when Joe directed. What a classy person and so dedicated to his mission. He taught me so much and I truly enjoyed knowing him. Condolences to his family. Sincerely,Nancy Provost
Thomas James Godfrey
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Joe Santo directed the Chapel Choir at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria, LA, when I joined it in April 1965. This choir included young people in both the high school and college age groups.
Under his direction, this choir program was the excellent foundation of the youth ministry at the church. He took us on a tour each summer, which involved preparing for concerts and sometimes one or more drama performances as well. It took a lot of work to plan, organize, and execute them, all of which he managed well. He challenged us to do our best, skillfully taught us to sing, and provided many opportunities for Christian fellowship in an atmosphere of cooperation and devotion to God, resulting in outstanding esprit de corps. Joe Santo was more than our choir director. He was our friend.
I have had other great choir directors since he left Emmanuel in 1968, but none better overall. It was wonderful to have him return to direct us again during a Chapel Choir reunion held June 27-28, 1981. Of course, my remarks here highlight only some of his many talents and achievements.
May God reward him abundantly in glory for his service, and comfort those of us who survive him with the assurance that he must now be doing the will of our Father in heaven as he did on earth. The music there must be out of this world.
MaryNell Corley King
Sunday, December 17, 2017
I was a member of the Chapel Choir of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Alexandria, LA during my teenage and early college years. I went on two choir tours with Joe and the choir, and I joined him in Alexandria Little Theater's production of "Oklahoma!" It was a precious time of my life. Joe was indeed a "driving" force in my life at that time.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and I offer my prayers of strength and peace to God for Lucille and Sue Ellen and all of his family.