Keith “Joe” Jowell
On November 26, 2024, Joe passed away peacefully with family by his side. As the last living member of his generation he was three weeks shy of his 94th birthday. Now reunited with his beloved wife, Mary Joellen and son Joseph who preceded him in death.
Joe was the youngest of three sons born in the Territory of Hawaii to Harry and Mary Jowell. At 10 years old he witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor. An event that profoundly shaped his early years during World War II.
After graduating high school Joe moved to San Francisco to attend college. His studies were interrupted by the Korean War. He enlisted in the US Navy and served honorably as an Aviation Storekeeper aboard the USS Badoeng Strait from 1951-1955. This is when he was given his nickname “Joe.”
After the war, Joe joined the Boston Maryknoll Brotherhood and spent five years as a Novitiate Brother. He chose a different path, returning to California to marry Joellen and together build a life focused on family and community.
In 1961, Joe settled with his new bride in Long Beach. Here he began his long career with Sears as a certified Appliance Repair Technician. He also continued his interrupted education by attending Long Beach Community College. This time he graduated with the Class of 1968 earning an AA degree.
Joe was a lifelong learner pursuing such diverse interests as Toastmasters, singing, learning foreign languages, trumpet and military history. He dedicated himself to helping others and was a devoted volunteer with Hospice of Santa Barbara. Upon reaching 35 years of service, he was honored by receiving a Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara Volunteer of the Year Award for 2016.
Joe is survived by his children Mary (Rob), Susan (Charlie), Ann (Steve) and David, along with his cherished grandsons Devin, Luke, Dylan, and Jacen.
A private ceremony will be held to lay Joe to rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Santa Barbara or Serenity House, reflecting his lifelong commitment to compassion and care for others.