Joel P. Williams

Joel P. Williams

Joel P. Williams, 83, of Lock Haven, passed away at home on Nov. 27, 2025.

He was born on Aug. 5, 1942, to Erwin L. and Verla (Felsberg) Williams.

On May 14, 1978, he married the former Julaine (Moore), who preceded him in death on April 25, 2000.

Joel was a 1960 graduate of Manheim Central High School and served in the United States Army.

Joel’s life work was in the Telecommunications Field, but his true passion was trains. He enjoyed traveling the rails with his track cars (inspection cars) with his Railroad friends and rarely missed an event.

He also designed and hand made all props to mirror the Town of Lock Haven for his American Flyer and HO trains taking up his entire basement. It was his true pride, and train lovers traveled just to see his magnificent layout.

Joel started what first was an informal group of motorcar enthusiasts and grew this organization known as NARCOA (North American Rail Car Operators Association), incorporating it in 1989 and becoming one of the legal founders. For more than four decades Joel served many key roles in all aspects of NARCOA and participated in all their activities. Joel’s legacy will truly be taking what many just saw as a hobby and turning it into a National Association.

A “Jack of all Trades,” Joel could fix anything, or would learn how. His knowledge base will surely be missed.

Survivors include three sons, Jeff Jordan, of Lake Pleasant, N.Y., Dean Jordan, of Glens Falls, N.Y., and Casey Williams of Box Elder, S.D.; a brother, Mike (Linda) Williams, of Manheim, Pa; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.

Services for Joel P. Williams will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, Pa.

Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or www. GedonFuneralHomes.com