STRONG — Joel Martin Denison Sr., 74, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon at his home in Strong. 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 of Cajun cuisine or his strong Catholic faith.

He was born in New Iberia, La., Dec. 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 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, Ph.D., of Strong; son, Joel Martin Denison Jr., and spouse, Laureen (Barnard) Denison, of Loreauville, La.; daughter, Anita Margaret (Denison) Snoddy, and spouse, James Donald Snoddy III (Jim), 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, La., Gregory Stephen Denison and spouse, Lisa (Maronge) Denison, of Gray, La., Richard Lyle Denison and spouse, Cheryl (Ronsonet) Denison, of New Iberia, La., Charles Michael Denison and spouse, Carolyn Denison, of Pompano Beach, Fla.; stepdaughter, Leslie L. Bull, and spouse, Shane Curtis Stainton, of Fairfield, Texas; stepson, John Joseph Lane, and spouse, Beth (Harris) Lane, of Durham, N.C.; stepson, Michael Curtis Lane, and spouse, Gennifer (Gee) Lane, of Boiling Springs, N.C.; 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, Okla., Katherine Grace Lane of Los Angeles, Calif., Christian Joseph Lane of Durham, N.C. He was predeceased by his parents, Roland Joseph Denison Sr. and Margaret (Smith) Denison. Memories and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Joel M. Denison Sr.