Joel D. Wardwell, 69, of Bucksport, Maine and Richmond, Missouri died Thursday, February 16, 2023, at his home.

Joel was born on September 26, 1953, in Castine, Maine, the son of Donald and Phyllis (Soper) Wardwell.  Joel was a retired Veteran of the US Army and the Maine Army National Guard Engineers for 23 years. He worked in the construction industry for over 40 years as a division manager, project manager, and project developer for Robert Wardwell and Sons and The Lane Construction Corporation. Joel was a member of the Bucksport Town Council, the Hancock County Budget Committee, the board of directors of The Maine Aggregates Association, and the board of directors of the Associated General Contractors.

He has a great satisfaction in the projects he was involved with but the most joy came from the employees he worked with and developed, the construction professionals all over Maine he associated with, and the co-workers he spent so much time with.

He had a great love and pride in the success of his children and grandchildren. They are good people, and the world needs more good people.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, son, Todd (Joanne) of Glenolden, PA, daughter, Jennifer (Sandra) of Yarmouth, ME, daughter, Tracey Renfro (David) of Richmond, MO, and daughter Staci Findley of Blue Springs, MO. Grandchildren Jared and Kellen Wardwell of Glenolden, PA, and Tessie and Ishaya of Yarmouth, ME, and Tanner Newman of Richmond, MO. He is also survived by his brother Jeffery Wardwell (Laurie) of Bucksport, several nieces, nephews, lots of special friends, his dogs, Charlie and Tucker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Phyllis and Donald Wardwell, a brother Eric Michael Wardwell, sister, Donna Wilson and brother-in-law, Wilbur Wilson.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to either your local animal shelter or to curemeso.org. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main St. – P.O. Box 190 Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Richmond Memory Gardens. Additional services will be held in Bucksport, Maine, to be announced at a later date. Please remember to share your memories of Joel with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com