The Richmond News, Feb. 24, 2023

Joel Wardwell

Joel D. Wardwell, 69, of Bucksport, Maine, and Richmond died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at his home. Joel was born on Sept. 26, 1953, in Castine, Maine, the son of Donald and Phyllis (Soper) Wardwell. Joel was a retired veteran of the U.S. Army and the Maine Army National Guard Engineers, serving for 23 years.

He worked in the construction industry for more than 40 years as a division manager, project manager and project developer for Robert Wardwell and Sons, and The Lane Construction Corp.

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 had 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 coworkers 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, Penn.; daughter, Jennifer (Sandra) of Yarmouth, Maine; daughter, Tracey Renfro (David) of Richmond; and daughter, Staci Findley of Blue Springs. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Jared and Kellen Wardwell of Glenolden, Tessie and Ishaya of Yarmouth, and Tanner Newman of Richmond. He also is survived by his brother, Jeffery Wardwell (Laurie) of Bucksport; several nieces and nephews; lots of special friends; and his dogs, Charlie and Tucker.

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

The family suggests 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 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial graveside services were held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Richmond Memory Gardens. Additional services will be held in Bucksport, Maine, to be announced at a later date.

Please share your memories of Joel with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.