Joel R. Barden's Obituary
Joel R Barden was born March 21, 1946, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Ward and Helen (McManus) Barden. Joel has a twin sister, Jonell, who was born two minutes before him. Those who know Joel understand this has been a constant fight for the last 77 years, as Joel always argued he was the older twin. Joel and his three siblings moved a few times when they were young before settling in Tioga, North Dakota, where he graduated as valedictorian from his high school class in 1964. He went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in political science from the University of North Dakota.
Joel taught political science in Nova Scotia and at Sweetbrier college in Virginia before taking a position with the Ohio Secretary of State and then becoming a senior staff representative for the Fraternal order of Police in 1988. He remained a dedicated union representative until the time of his retirement in 2014. Since then, he has proudly served as a board member for the Greater Hilltop Area Shalom zone as well as the vice president of the Homes on the Hill Community Development Corporation. Joel loved community service and being part of something bigger. He was always there to lend a helping hand, whether that was sound advice or a random pearl of wisdom he liked to call “On the Lighter Side”. He was an active member of the Democratic party and made this known on all his social media platforms. He was the youngest delegate to the 1968 National Democratic Convention in Chicago.
Joel was once married to Noreena Fox (Jim), and from this union John Ogden and Michele Ervin came into his life and he continued to be a big part of their lives as they grew into adults and always proud of their every accomplishment. Michelle gave him three beautiful grandchildren Lina, Alexis, and Aaron, that he doted on. Watching them grow and become adults is something he always cherished, to say he was proud is an understatement. Joel never met a stranger, and he touched the lives of so many people, not just those that were his family, but also those who became his family. Family is not always blood; it is also those you choose to be your family.
Joel is proceeded in death by his parents Ward and Helen Barden, and by brothers Jimmy and Jack. He is survived by stepson John Ogden and stepdaughter Michele Ervin (Ronnie). Granddaughters Lina Smith and Alexis Kush, grandson Aaron Tompkins (Melanie) and great-grandchildren Olivia Smith, Caroline Smith, Benjamin Tompkins, and Charlotte Tompkins. He is survived by his twin sister Jonell (Jim) Hatlelid and their children. He is also survived by his adopted nephews Tyler and Jesse Barnhill, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in celebration of Joel’s life will be held at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Columbus during the spring of 2024.
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