Joel Thomas Ely

Joel Thomas Ely was born to Thomas William Ely and Reba Gladys Risenhoover Ely on July 4, 1933, a Yankee doodle dandy. Enjoying an idyllic childhood with his family, Joel grew up with active involvement in First Baptist Church of Shawnee, Boy Scouts and other activities including serving as spirit leader on the Shawnee High School "Lobos". Bo bo skedeeton dotten!

 Although he had many warm memories of childhood, including visiting his grandparents in Oklahoma City and Warren, Oklahoma, he was born to soar. And so, he flew away for college. Joel studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and the Rhode Island School of Design, yet his loyalty lay with the University of Oklahoma, where he received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration and his Master's of Business Administration. Boomer!

 After graduation he experienced a very brief stint at JI Case Tractors where he was assigned hay stacking, and where he managed to set a barn on fire, but soon found his true calling. Joel would make his name in marketing in the world of fashion. He would journey from Neiman Marcus to Marshall Field, I Magnin, J Magnin and others before the summit of his career at The Broadway in Los Angeles, where he led as Vice President of Marketing. He was part of, and he created history in his field, winning awards, flying internationally with designers, opening new stores and creating advertisements with the top models and stars of the day. He worked harder than anyone and laughed louder than anyone. His keen intellect, kindness, and a special gift of bridging the worlds between the artists and business people in his organization brought him success.

 Joel had so many talents. He loved beauty. He was a man of culture who loved classical music and fine art. He could make a home gorgeous. He appreciated elegant fashion. He "had an eye" as they say. He received invitations to mingle with celebrities, the Queen of England, and titans of industry, but he was always completely genuine. When complimented on the quality of his fashion catalogs he remarked, "I always picked out the top quality of paper, because I remembered visiting my grandparents and their outhouse". 

 Besides an army of treasured colleagues all over the country, he shone his love on his family. A devoted son to Tom and Reba, he lavished them with gifts and made his visits home during the holidays and summer a bright and festive affair. Joel's parties were legendary. He brought great joy to his nieces and nephew, their spouses and children. He was a captivating storyteller who would pack kids into his roadster and take off for an adventure. "Don't press the ejection button on the dashboard!" He loved every relative, but spent the most time with his cherished sister Loretta. They played together as children, rearranging furniture and putting on shows, him singing and her playing the piano. In later years they were together daily, making the journey to Sonic, attending church where they served on the funeral ministry, and talking about all the kids. Loretta was by his side every day.

 At each birthday party Joel hosted, the honoree would get a cake he baked specially for them, and a card proclaiming them to be 16 years old. In his magical world, we are all youthful, happy, and sixteen years of age forever. He was Effervescent. Joyful. Elegant. A world class listener and secret keeper. Pure of heart our Joel. 

 A man of faith, he joins his parents in Heaven. We here who mourn him include his sister Loretta Miller, nieces Kathryn Gage (Keith), Jennifer Bryant (Tod) and Debbie Bryan (Randy), great nephews Keith III and Kyle Gage, William Bryant, Austin, Sean and Jeremy Bryan and great niece Rebekah Bryan. Also his brother Bill Ely (June), niece Cindy Wilson, nephew Roger Ely (Katie), and great nieces Emily (Heard) and Elizabeth Wilson. 

 Joel. We love you so.

 Viewing will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th at Walker’s Funeral Service in Shawnee. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 5th at Walker Funeral Chapel.