Joel Amos Gentles

Joel Amos Gentles, 85, of Belvidere, IL received his Heavenly reward on Friday, February 9, 2024. Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering at Lawncrest Chapel in Redding, CA on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Joel Gentles was born on February 16, 1938, to Amos and Arlene Gentles and married the love of his life, Shirely Gentles, on March 1, 1957. He is survived by one sister, Linda (Ernie) Garay. He is predeceased by a brother and sister, Walter and Florence Beals.

Joel was a strong example to all who knew him as a man of faith, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a devoted husband. His dedication to the church and his close walk with God was a cornerstone to his life and family, establishing churches in California and Vermont and ministering to many throughout his time as a home missionary.

Eventually his family grew. He has five children: Joel Gentles, Pamela (Kevin) Seibold, Nanette (Mike) Wallace, Sandra (Richie) Opdyke, and Marty (Lydia) Gentles.

Joel’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly calling him “Papa”

Grandchildren

• Austin Gentles

• Mark (Stephanie) Seibold

• Ryan Seibold

• Vanessa (Joey) Carrell

• Dana (Matt) Beumer

• Janae Stanford

• Tim (Kimberly) Wallace

• Jonathan (Cynthia) Wallace

• Sheree (Nate) Topete

• Brittany Opdyke

• Bryan Gentles

• Brandon Gentles

Great-Grandchildren

• Kaylee, Lexie, Bailee, Raelyn , Jeremiah Gentles

• Audrey and Claire Seibold

• Roman and Bella Topete

• Gabrielle, Athena, and Penelope Carrell.

While each family member and friend will have their own loving memories, all will recall the man that had a kind, encouraging word to share, a joke to tell, with a cowboy hat sat neatly on a head of snow-white hair.

To the last original cowboy: “This the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118)