Joel James Wilton

Joel James Wilton Smiths Creek Joel James Wilton age 34 of Smiths Creek, formerly of Chesterfield Township died Thursday, December 8, 2011 in his home after a two year battle with cancer. Joel was born April 21, 1977 in Detroit, the son of James and Martha (Walker) Wilton. He graduated from L'Anse Creuse North High School in 1995 and was pursuing a business degree at Northwood University in Midland, MI, when he became ill. He married Wendy Marie Palmer in Macomb Twp. on October 9, 1999. Joel was employed by Ford Motor Company in Romeo and had previously worked in landscaping, in which he never lost interest. He enjoyed growing things, reading about history, all sports, especially hockey and anything he could do with his wife and daughters. They enjoyed attending hockey games, building things with Legos and had plans for travel and many other dreams for the future. Joel is survived by his wife, Wendy; his precious daughters, Caitlyn Rose and Hailey Marie; parents, James and Martha Wilton of Richmond; brother and sister-in-law, John and Stephanie Wilton of Richmond, their daughters Ella Ruth and Madison Joelle Wilton, who was born Friday, December 9, 2011; grandmother, Eleanor Walker of North Street; parents-in-law, John and Paulette Palmer of Chesterfield; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Steve) Churchill, Melissa (Michael) Opatik; nieces and nephews, Emily Churchill and Madeline, Michael and Miles Opatik. Also survived by aunts and uncles, William and Alice Wilton of Lakeport, Harry and Shirley Wilton of Iron Mountain, Jack and Joann Wilton of Lakeport, Ruthann Clenney of Lakeport, Wayne and Jane Fleury of North Street and John R. Walker of North Street and many cousins. Joel was predeceased by his grandparents, Robert N. Walker and Clifford and Ruth Wilton. A funeral service will be on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Rewalt Funeral Home, Richmond. Reverend Michael Lutz, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Macomb Twp., will officiate. Burial will be in Richmond Cemetery. Visiting will be on Sunday from 3 to 8pm and Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family for Joel's children. For condolences visit: RewaltFuneralHome.com.