Joseph “JW” Patchell

Joseph Wayne “JW” Patchell died suddenly on Feb. 25 at his residence in Liberty, Ky. He was 32. JW was born October 9, 1985 in Santa Barbara to Cindy and Alan Patchell.

He grew up in Madera and joined the U.S. Navy after graduating in 2004 from Madera High School, serving six years before his honorable discharge in 2010. JW held various jobs, starting in high school when he worked as a server and busser at The Vineyard in Madera. He enjoyed it immensely and returned for a second stint after serving his country.

Most recently he was an electrician with Komatsu Mining Corporation in Lebanon, Ky. He loved his position and shared a strong mutual affection with coworkers. His friends describe him as an independent self-starter who was sensitive, loyal, and devoted to making a difference in their lives. He will be remembered for his keen wit and sense of humor, perpetual smile, and a genuine love of people.

Everyone who knew JW understood that his greatest joy was spending time with his son, Jameson. JW was preceded in death by his father, Alan, and grandfather Leighton Martin. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Cindy and Mark Vail; son Jameson Leighton Patchell; sisters DeeAnna Patchell and Amiee Patchell Steffy; brother William Patchell; stepsisters Melissa Chase and Cathy Vail Bare; grandparents Jack and Francene Markle and Betty Martin; uncle Greg Markle; aunts Samantha O’Neil, Felecia Stapp, Paula Glass, and Kris Dydek; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of JW’s life will be held from 11am to 2pm Sunday, March 25, at the VFW Hall Post #1981, 2026 N. Granada Ave., Madera. Arrangements are entrusted to McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.

An online guestbook is available at www.mckinneybrown.com. To commemorate the circle of life, his remains will be scattered from a pier in Santa Barbara where his mom and dad were fishing when she entered labor in preparation for his birth.

The family requests memorials be made to his son’s college fund at https://www.gofundme.com/jamesonpatchellcollegefund in lieu of flowers.