Joel Franklin “Joe” Wisdom, 76, of Smoot, Wyoming, passed away early Monday morning at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Joe was born at home in Heavener, Oklahoma on January 24th, 1945, to Robert and Lavonne Wisdom. When Joe was little, his family moved to California where Joe’s father took a job as a construction equipment mechanic. In his youth, Joe enjoyed surfing, water skiing, and playing baseball.
After graduating from San Juan Hills High School, Joe joined the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, Joe was stationed at Da Nang Air Base. His primary job was arming and disarming fighter jets.
Upon completing his service in the military, Joe began working in construction as a heavy equipment operator. For fun, he raced motorcycles and shot trap. In 1982, Joe won the California state trap-shooting championship in the 27-yard handicap.
Over 30 years ago, Joe met his wife, Lou. In 2008 Joe and Lou moved to star valley for the beauty and a more relaxed lifestyle. They came over south pass and their eyes got big and they knew they wanted to live here. Joe and Lou continued to put their granddaughter, Ahlona, through high school in the valley and then moved her into college in Rock Springs.
Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He loved exploring the backcountry on his horses or by 4 wheeler. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending quiet time in the forest. Joe loved exploring and going out to eat with Lou and Ahlona. The key to Joe’s soft spot was anything sweet. Joe never met a stranger. If anyone needed help Joe was the first to step up and help. Joe leaves behind a vast network of friends and acquaintances.
Joe is survived by his wife, Lou, his younger sister, Margaret, his two sons, Brian (wife Kim) and Jeff (wife Angela), his two stepdaughters, Sherri and Cyndy, and his grandchildren, Ahlona, Alexa, Bre (husband Jason), Eric, Christopher (wife Holli), Evan, Aidan, Benjamin, Trent, and Ivy.