Joel Eugene Sinden

Joel Eugene Sinden lived life with energy, passion and abandon. On February 12, 2023, those of us who knew and loved Joel had a void created in our lives as he passed away peacefully at home. Joel was always clear that those of us left behind should not mourn his death but, rather, celebrate his life. He lived and died believing in the Lord and found peace in his faith, particularly as he fought the good fight against cancer in his last eight months. Joel was born on August 10, 1954 in Marion, OH to Walter and Dorothy Sinden (Bish), the fifth of seven children. His parents, brother David, and sister Lori predeceased him and have surely welcomed him home to heaven. Left to celebrate his life are his wife, Cheryl, his children Kelly (Chris) Grace, Camilla Sinden and Jason Sinden; grandchildren Kilei (Butch) Heffelfinger, James Jones, Samantha Jones, and William Ellcessor; great-grandchildren Grey, Kash, Mila and Judd Heffelfinger; brothers Jim and Bill; sisters Vicki (Jeff) Howison, and Deb Upton, plus a host of nieces, nephews and their children who will remember Uncle Joel for his big smile and bigger personality. In addition, Joel had scores of friends who will deeply miss his presence among them. With the exception of a couple of years, Joel spent his life living and working in Ohio and was an active participant in his community. He was a life member of the Marion Y-Men's Service Club and served on the Marion Board of Realtors for years, including as President in 2000. Never happy doing the same thing every day, Joel found satisfaction in work that involved spending time with people and getting to know about them. Over the years, he sold cable and worked in marketing/advertising and business development. He found his niche in real estate, holding a license in that profession for over 40 years. He and his mother worked in real estate together for a number of years, owning the Century 21 franchise in Marion as well as Prime Equity Title Company. Joel was an auctioneer for 20 years and loved hearing the stories associated with what he was selling. A real handyman, he bought houses that were in disrepair and totally enjoyed bringing them back to life. In January 2006, he and his mother sold their businesses and Joel entered the retirement phase of his living, during which he got to focus more on other things he loved. An avid numismatist, Joel began collecting coins at a young age and continued throughout his life. He bought and sold collections and built his own collection of which he was quite proud. Joel knew the history of every coin it seemed. There was a time that he also dealt in sports cards and memorabilia, building quite a business before phasing out of that hobby. Above all other things he did, Joel loved golf. He lived for golf, and during his cancer battle, he continued to play as much and as often as he could, often to the amazement of his treatment team. For the past ten years, he was the coordinator of the Southern Classic, a 30-year tradition of traveling to a warmer place for good friends from Ohio to play a lot of golf for a week in the winter. This year’s Classic will go on, as Joel instructed, and his friends will lift a glass or two in his memory. Joel and his wife bought a house in South Carolina in 2013, which allowed Joel to spend several winters playing as much golf as he could. An avid Buckeye fan, Joel could be found yelling at the television during the games and Saturdays were all about college football. Joel was a strong and passionate advocate for the underdog and gave generously to causes that provide resources and assistance for those in need. Cheryl and the family want to express their deepest gratitude to the teams at OhioHealth who provided great care and allowed Joel to live his life as he desired during his cancer journey. A Celebration of Life is being arranged in Ohio and details will follow. Another celebration will be scheduled in South Carolina for the multitude of friends there. Joel and Cheryl request that you not send flowers. Instead, Joel asked that you make a memorial donation to the Cheryl and Joel Sinden Nursing Student Endowment at Otterbein University, Cellar House, One South Grove, Westerville, OH 43081 or to Y-Men’s Service Club LLC, P.O. Box 275, Marion, OH 43301. Joel was an example for all of us of how to live each day to the fullest and living without regrets. May we follow his lead by spending time in our lives doing things we enjoy and spending time with people we love. That will be his legacy. A celebration of Joel will be held Saturday, March 4 from noon to 2:00 PM at the Safari Golf Club, 4850 Powell Road, directly across Powell Rd from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. There will be pictures, music, light food and beverages available beginning at noon, with a brief memorial service at 1:00 PM. Preferred dress will be golf or business casual attire. Joel didn't want anyone to have to wear a suit or dress clothes. Joel asked that, in spite of our sadness, this be a celebration, a time to remember with joy his life and the good times we had with him. We look forward to seeing you there!

Joel Eugene Sinden

August 10, 1954 - February 12, 2023