Joel Alvin Trammell, 66, of Madill, OK arrived to his heavenly home on August 28, 2024. If his arrival in heaven even mildly matched the life he lived here on earth, it goes without saying it will never be the same up there.

Joel was born on April 27, 1958 in Sulphur, OK to the late Alvin and Judith Trammell, and graduated from Sulphur High School in 1976. Joel spent his younger years in Sulphur before moving to Madill and began cementing his name in the town he would call home for the remainder of his life. Growing up, Joel was always fascinated and intrigued with the great outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, hunting small game, and trapping. All of those adventures spent in the wilds as a child would only be the beginning of a lifetime spent in the outdoors.

As he grew into his teenage years, the love of the outdoors never wavered, but the need for speed and affinity for fast cars set in. Beginning with riding motorcycles in the pastures and on back country roads, then transitioning to muscle cars in his teenage years, there were few pieces of Marshall County gravel that weren't slung off the road and fewer paved roads that weren't left with his trademark of a burnout tire marks from his green & white Camaro affectionately called "The Streak". Later, Joel took his talents to the straight away track winning multiple races and leaving his mark in the race world with accomplishments including track records at the Ardmore Raceway and being crowned Winner Circles Champion in the super comp division at the Green Valley Raceway in 1982. Even after his racing years were over, Joel collected many cars, continued to love driving fast and was a National Hotrod Association member.

Joel's true passion was the outdoors and through the outdoors, he impacted many lives around the world. Joel was a renowned taxidermist for over 30 years, creating works of art & bringing adventures back to life for countless hunters. Joel also enjoyed bringing the adventure to hunters through guiding and started Diamond T Trophy Hunts. His guiding and personal hunting adventures lead him to lasting friendships across the globe, with experiences and stories worthy of covering pages in a magazine. Whether in the hardwoods of Oklahoma or the mountains of Alaska, Joel was truly in his element anytime he was in the outdoors. Joel furthered his career in the outdoors by raising whitetail and fallow deer for 20+ years, as well as serving as the manager and wildlife consultant at Tango Summit Ranch for 16 years.

Joel was a dedicated advocate and active member of numerous outdoor organizations. He was a life member of the NRA and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. As a founder of the Oklahoma Taxidermy Association, he was the first registered member (001) and served as Vice President, President, and a board member for 20 years. Joel was also a lifetime member of the Whitetail of Oklahoma Association, where he was the first registered member (001), served as President for two terms totaling four years, and was on the Board of Directors.

Joel's defining trait was his unwavering love and deep commitment to his countless family and friends. He was always the first to offer support or share a laugh, making everyone around him feel valued and cherished. Joel's warmth and generosity extended beyond his immediate circle, as he treated friends like family and welcomed new connections with open arms. His ability to connect with others on a personal level led to meaningful friendships that enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. Joel's genuine care and selflessness left a lasting impact on everyone he met, making him a beloved figure in his nationwide community. Above all, Joel loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a member of Oakview Baptist Church, where his faith was an integral part of his life.

Joel is survived by: Wife: Tresa Trammell, Madill, OK; Children Shannon Trammell, Powell, OK Shani McGuire and husband Broc, Madill, OK; stepsons Dillion Runyan and wife Sami Jo, Madill, OK Dyson Runyan and wife Allie, Sulphur, OK; sister Kari Dawn Johnson and husband Randy, Sulphur OK; nephew Shiloh Butts and wife Sahara & great nephew Traeger, Sulphur, OK; 5 Grandchildren Archer and Atticus Trammell, Darbee Runyan, Drake and Drue Runyan, aunt Karen Martin, Checotah, OK.

Joel was proceeded in death by parents Alvin & Judith Trammell, grandparents Buel & Helen Green and Luther & Myrtle Trammell, late wife Christi Trammell.

Memorials may be made to the Ballard House, 21421 Cinco Park Road Katy, Texas 77450

Honorary Bearers: Chano Bargas, Keith Blagg, Shiloh Butts, Charlie Copeland, Richie Hartzog, Randy Johnson, Broc McGuire, Jimmy "Slim" Rogers, Dillon Runyan, Dyson Runyan, Basil Savage Jr., Tony Wallace