Joel R. Lewis, 75, of Centerville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 4.

Born September 8, 1950, in Ashland, Kentucky, Joel was the son of the late Ray and Jean Lewis. He was a 1969 graduate of Northridge High School, attended Morehead State University, and earned his master’s degree from Wright State University. During his 35 years working as an industrial arts and automotives teacher at Fairmont High School, Joel earned a reputation as a well-respected and caring mentor to countless students.

Joel was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. His six grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. Joel particularly enjoyed Norris Lake where every grandchild waited in line to help drive the boat with “Papa.”

An avid tinkerer and lifelong learner, Joel always kept busy with hobbies. He fixed clocks (he never found something he couldn’t fix), collected lanterns, tended to his beloved plants, kept an impressive variety of tropical fish, and always had a new pocketknife to show off (which came in handy at Christmas). He loved boating, fishing, gardening, hunting with his bird dogs, cars, sports, and spending time outside sitting on one of the many decks he built. But above all, Joel loved his family.

Joel is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Karen; his daughters, Natalie Chillinksy (Scott) and Kelli Kerkhoff (John), both of Columbus; six grandchildren, Graham, Reid, Eleanor, David, Samuel, and Jane; his step-father, Ray Young; and his sister, Vicki. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharlene.

The family is deeply grateful for the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital for their unparalleled care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton whose compassion offered peace and comfort in Joel’s final days.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11:00am to 12:30pm  in the WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME-KETTERING, 5980 Bigger Road. A Celebration of his life will begin at 12:30pm. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Dayton.