Joel M. Denison Sr.

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, January 9, 2018

STRONG, Maine — Joel Martin Denison Sr., 74, died peacefully Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at his home in Strong, Maine. His wife, Grace, and stepdaughter Leslie were at his side and he felt no pain as he slipped gently away; his wife’s hand in his and being told how deeply and fully he was loved. Despite a long battle with pancreatic cancer, he never lost his delightful sense of humor, his love for Cajun cuisine or his strong Catholic faith. 

He was born in New Iberia, on December 17, 1943, a son of Roland Joseph Denison Sr. and Margaret (Smith) Denison. He lived and worked in New Iberia as a police officer and radio DJ, finally settling in Strong, Maine with his wife, Grace (Prevost), whom he married on July 17, 1993. He was an avid ham radio operator proficient in Morse Code, an ultralight enthusiast, a published author and he enjoyed fishing and boating. He and his wife loved the outdoors and made many happy memories together hiking, camping and kayaking. 

He is survived by his wife, Grace Louise (Prevost) Denison PHD, of Strong, Maine; son Joel Martin Denison Jr. and spouse, Laureen (Barnard) Denison, of Loreauville; daughter Anita Margaret (Denison) Snoddy and spouse, James “Jim” Donald Snoddy III, of Midland, Texas; grandchildren James Donald Snoddy IV (Jimmy); Alexis Ann (Snoddy) Hebert and spouse, Michael Ross Hebert, of Midland, Texas, who are expecting Joel’s great-granddaughter Emmaline Grace Hebert in March; brothers Roland Joseph Denison Jr. and spouse, Margaret (Guillot) Denison, of New Iberia; Gregory Stephen Denison and spouse, Lisa (Maronge) Denison, of Gray; Richard Lyle Denison and spouse, Cheryl (Ronsonet) Denison, of New Iberia; Charles Michael Denison and spouse, Carolyn Denison of Pompano Beach, Florida; stepdaughter Leslie L. Bull and spouse, Shane Curtis Stainton, of Fairfield, Texas; stepson John Joseph Lane and spouse, Beth (Harris) Lane, of Durham, North Carolina; stepson Michael Curtis Lane and spouse, Gennifer (Gee) Lane, of Boiling Springs, North Carolina; stepson Jeffrey Charles Williamson and spouse, Yoshie Williamson, of Okinawa; step grandchildren Michael Jeffrey Williamson and spouse, Monica Williamson, of Abilene, Texas; Kristi Lynn (Williamson) Morgan and spouse, David Morgan, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Katherine Grace Lane of Los Angeles, California; and Christian Joseph Lane of Durham, North Carolina. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Roland Joseph Denison Sr. and Margaret (Smith) Denison. 

The family suggests donations in Joel’s name be made to your local animal shelter. Memories and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at 11 a. m. from St. Joseph’s Church, Middle Street, Farmington, Maine,  followed by a reception at the Parish Hall.

Cremation and memorial services are being cared for and provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine.