Joshua Caleb Udell

Joshua Caleb Udell, 45, passed away of natural causes March 9, 2025, in Clinton, Missouri.
Joshua was born October 3, 1979, in Omaha, Nebraska. He went to school in Norfolk, Nebraska; Madisonville, Kentucky; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia before graduating from Carl Junction High School in 1998. There he devoted several seasons to football, basketball and track. Josh then furthered his education by graduating from Ozark Christian College in 2004. Josh had numerous challenges in life, yet many accomplishments.
As a youth, Josh collected baseball cards, played basketball for hours, fished, camped, explored the Sandhills of Nebraska, creeks and caves in Kentucky and Missouri, climbed inside the pyramids of Egypt, and swam in the Red Sea. In college, Josh travelled to Thailand where he taught ESL English for 6 weeks. Josh has friends from all over the world.
As described by others: Josh was an incredible person who could light up a room with his smile and sports talk, he was an avid fan of Nebraska football, Creighton basketball, KC Chiefs & KC Royals. Josh made us laugh - sometimes uncontrollably - even in hard circumstances. Josh was a classic, a kind and caring person who knew no strangers, a sweet soul who had a way with words and wanted to help others. Josh had a passion for writing and self-published several books. He loved music, wrote and recorded his own songs to share with others. Josh liked his coffee black, lots of it, on ice. He read furiously and owned a small library. He pastored churches and youth groups. Josh was an example in how he cared for all, notably the less fortunate.
Josh loved his family and was especially proud of his son, Jesse (17). They enjoyed playing chess, Spiderman on PS4, and visiting parks and museums.
Joshua leaves behind his son, Jesse, Jesse's mother, Lindsay Balcom (Nathan), parents Jack Udell and Trish Udell, brother Jacob Udell (Caitlin), sisters Anna Nance (Jeremy), Lydia Moraca (Ben), and Eden Udell; four nieces and four nephews, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved very much. Joshua was preceded in death by his sister, Miriam Udell; and grandparents, Jack and Genevieve Udell and Mildred Teaford.
Joshua brought great joy to our lives and will be missed. We have been made better by knowing Josh and walking with him on the journey he travelled.
Josh's Celebration of Life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, at Christ Church of Oronogo, 22145 Kafir Rd, Oronogo, MO. Joshua will be laid to rest next to his sister, Miriam. Pallbearers attending: Jesse Udell, Jacob Udell, Jeremy Nance, Ben Moraca, Scott Anderson, Chester Teaford and Anthony Hayibor. In lieu of flowers, cards may be sent to The Udell Family, 1623 Logan Drive, Webb City, MO 64870. Donations may be sent to Jesse Udell College Fund, c/o Community Bank & Trust, 5570 North Main, Joplin, MO 64801. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.