Joe Elem Carrel

Joe Elem Carrel age 91 of Norman, formerly of Newcastle, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017, in Norman, Oklahoma. He was born December 12, 1925, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of five children born to Elem Paris "Doc" Carrel and Eunice Caldona (Weaver) Carrel. Joe grew up a farm boy living in the Bradley and Lindsay area. Joe was a true patriot and dropped out of high school to join the Navy in 1942, to serve in the South Pacific during WWII. Joe joined the Air Force after the war and continued to serve until he retired in June 1963. Joe married Mary Louise Flores in 1946 and together they had one daughter, Dottie Jean. In 1956, he married Betty Ann Sang and together they raised three children, Kevin, Donya and Daniel. After Betty died, he married Virginia Petty in 1979. After retiring from the service in 1963, Joe lived in Broken Arrow and went to work for the U. S. Postal Service and later transferred to OKC. In 1970, he made Newcastle his home. After 26 years with the U. S. Postal Service, Joe retired the second time for good. Since he left high school at the age of 17 to join the military, Joe was proud to graduate from Lindsay High School on May 17, 2001 at the age of 75. Throughout his life, he enjoyed all kinds of crafts, making hook rugs, stone cutting and making clocks, coin collecting as well as fishing and hunting. He was a 32 degree mason and a past Master of the Blanchard Masonic Lodge. He also was a member of the Newcastle First Baptist Church. For the past six years he has been a resident at the Veterans Center in Norman, OK. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Elem and Eunice Carrel; Three wives, Mary, Betty and Virginia; Two brothers, Weaver and Donald; He is survived by: Four children, Dottie Jean Boedeker of Marion, Texas, Kevin Carrel and wife Tirzah of Moore, Donya McBride and husband Gary of OKC, Daniel Carrel and wife Hope of OKC. Two sisters, Louise Butler and husband Carl of Edmond, Blanche Putman of MWC; Seven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; Several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Interment will be at the Blanchard Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Corner, P.O. Box 722160, Norman, OK. 73070. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle.

Joe Elem Carrel

December 12, 1925 - August 17, 2017