Joel Dewayne Wakefield, 70, of Chandler, Okla., passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Joel was born on June 12, 1951, in El Reno, Okla., to Jack Wakefield and Carrie (McAffee) Wakefield and lived there until he moved to Chandler in 1989. Joel married his high school sweetheart, Carol Owens in February 1971. He worked for the railroad for 10 years and joined the 45th Infantry Brigade 1970 where he served 38 years. Joel retired from active duty as a Master Sergeant (E-8) in 2009 after serving 1 year in Iraq during Iraqi Freedom.
Joel loved to play golf in his spare time. His favorite golf nemesis was his son-in-law Mike, they played each other every chance they had, always trying to outdo the other. No one really knows who the better player was, as they both claimed to be the best to only their wives. He and Carol joined the GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) where they traveled all over the country. Joel’s favorite things were trains, motorcycles, and golf.
Surviving family members are his high school sweetheart and wife, Carol Owens Wakefield; brother Brad and Charlotte Wakefield of El Reno, Okla.; son, Joey Wakefield of Chandler; daughter Brandi and Mike Murray of Crosby, Texas; grandsons Tyler and Priscilla Wakefield of Prague, Okla., Braydon and Mason Murray of Crosby Texas; three great-grandkids, Keaton, Kasen, and Lily; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joel was preceded in death by his father Jack Wakefield, mother Carrie McAfee Wakefield Sinyard, and sister Carrie Lou Wakefield.
Funeral Services for Joel were Friday, May 27, 2022, at Parks Brothers Funeral Service Chapel, Chandler, with the Reverend Wesley Paul Coffey officiating. Public viewing was Thursday, May 26, at Parks Brothers Funeral Service, and from 8 until service time on Friday. Condolences can be expressed at www.parksbrothers.net. Services are in the care of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler, Okla.