CHANNAHON —Joseph George Murrell, 70 of Channahon, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Born Aug. 23, 1955 in Delaware, Joe was the son of Omar Murrell and Katherine (Campbell) Murrell. He was raised and educated in New Castle, Delaware and graduated from William Penn High School with the Class of 1975. Following high school, Joe started in December 1976 as a packaging operator at Amoco Oil Refinery in New Castle Delaware. After a propylene gas explosion, he transferred to Illinois and broadened his experience with British Petroleum, Flint Hills, and INEOS in Channahon, IL as a finishing line operator, process technician, and warehouse supervisor until his retirement.
Joe was an avid hobbyist. He primarily enjoyed golf, fishing, bowling and racing. He received many distinguished awards, bowling numerous perfect games and high average awards as well as working in bowling centers in Illinois such as Pioneer Lanes in Plainfield or Thunderbowl in Mokena: just “for fun.” He was a NASCAR enthusiast with one of the largest collections of Dale Earnhardt Inc die cast cars and memorabilia. Everyone was in awe of his toys as it he would call them. During his retirement, he was a familiar face at The Thunderdome in Morris, Illinois where he enjoyed racing his remote control cars and his race family. For Joe, it wasn’t always about winning but being there to teach and help others. Many individuals would describe Joe as a respected and honest man. If you wanted something done right, you would ask Joe how to get it done. Whether he was fixing something for someone else or thinking of his next new idea around his home, he always gave his effort to do his best in anything he committed to. Joe was a proud husband, father, dog dad and grandfather whose entire family meant everything to him and he was grateful for the love and memories he shared with them. He was married for 47 years, advising others to “always keep in mind that none of us are perfect… we know we are not perfect not as individuals or as a married couple, and definitely not perfect as parents. But we always try to do the right thing. The imperfections are what make marriage and life interesting!” His wife was his one rock, through thick and thin, good times and bad. He exclaimed “You’ve always been there for me by my side. Love you always!”
Survivors include his loving and supportive wife Michele (Cebolla) Murrell of Channahon, Illinois; his children: Angela Murrell of Gilbert, Arizona; Rebecca (Murrell) Coleman of New Castle, Delaware and Kelly (Brad) Knight of Diamond, Illinois; six grandchildren: Katheryn, Blakely, Sarah, Rachel, Lilith and Jonathon; his fur babies Tucker and Marley and several extended family members. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Diane (Gary) Heaps of Spring Hill, Florida; and his beloved pets such as his Golden Retriever’s Rusty, Rusty Jr, Teddy and Riley.
Per Joe’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Farkas Funeral Home in Joliet, Illinois.
Born Aug. 23, 1955 in Delaware, Joe was the son of Omar Murrell and Katherine (Campbell) Murrell. He was raised and educated in New Castle, Delaware and graduated from William Penn High School with the Class of 1975. Following high school, Joe started in December 1976 as a packaging operator at Amoco Oil Refinery in New Castle Delaware. After a propylene gas explosion, he transferred to Illinois and broadened his experience with British Petroleum, Flint Hills, and INEOS in Channahon, IL as a finishing line operator, process technician, and warehouse supervisor until his retirement.
Joe was an avid hobbyist. He primarily enjoyed golf, fishing, bowling and racing. He received many distinguished awards, bowling numerous perfect games and high average awards as well as working in bowling centers in Illinois such as Pioneer Lanes in Plainfield or Thunderbowl in Mokena: just “for fun.” He was a NASCAR enthusiast with one of the largest collections of Dale Earnhardt Inc die cast cars and memorabilia. Everyone was in awe of his toys as it he would call them. During his retirement, he was a familiar face at The Thunderdome in Morris, Illinois where he enjoyed racing his remote control cars and his race family. For Joe, it wasn’t always about winning but being there to teach and help others. Many individuals would describe Joe as a respected and honest man. If you wanted something done right, you would ask Joe how to get it done. Whether he was fixing something for someone else or thinking of his next new idea around his home, he always gave his effort to do his best in anything he committed to. Joe was a proud husband, father, dog dad and grandfather whose entire family meant everything to him and he was grateful for the love and memories he shared with them. He was married for 47 years, advising others to “always keep in mind that none of us are perfect… we know we are not perfect not as individuals or as a married couple, and definitely not perfect as parents. But we always try to do the right thing. The imperfections are what make marriage and life interesting!” His wife was his one rock, through thick and thin, good times and bad. He exclaimed “You’ve always been there for me by my side. Love you always!”
Survivors include his loving and supportive wife Michele (Cebolla) Murrell of Channahon, Illinois; his children: Angela Murrell of Gilbert, Arizona; Rebecca (Murrell) Coleman of New Castle, Delaware and Kelly (Brad) Knight of Diamond, Illinois; six grandchildren: Katheryn, Blakely, Sarah, Rachel, Lilith and Jonathon; his fur babies Tucker and Marley and several extended family members. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Diane (Gary) Heaps of Spring Hill, Florida; and his beloved pets such as his Golden Retriever’s Rusty, Rusty Jr, Teddy and Riley.
Per Joe’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Farkas Funeral Home in Joliet, Illinois.
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