Joseph Miles Sell of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on February 17, 2025 at the age of 82. He was the tenth son of fourteen children born to James and Blanche (Coulter) Sell on August 4, 1942 in Corsica, Pennsylvania.
He had a strong work ethic, starting at a young age as a farm hand. He had many occupations, but the most impactful was his service in the United States Marine Corps. He often spoke of being stationed at Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He excelled as an aviation electronics technician, which served him well when he returned to civilian life. At that time, his goal was to meet a nice girl and settle down near Philadelphia. He soon met and then married Geraldine Ann Elliott on April 3, 1965 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. After 48 years of traveling the country and raising their children together, Geri passed away on May 3, 2013.
Joe was a faithful Christian man who treasured his family, which grew to include his children’s spouses, eight grandchildren and their spouses, as well as nine great-grandchildren. He enjoyed volunteering at church, especially construction projects and then as a greeter in later years. His church family was very precious to him and he loved attending worship services. He never met a stranger and was always quick to strike up a conversation.
After several years as a widower, Joe met and married Joyce Anderson on October 17, 2021 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Their time together was short, but filled with joy.
Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents; his brothers – James, Charles, Robert, Ronald, Merle, Albert and Dennis Sell; his sisters – Coralie Sell and Rose Weaver.
Survivors include his wife – Joyce Sell; children – Sheri (Dan) Hammel, Teri (Tom) Biedke and Joe (Cindy) Sell; step-daughter – Cheryl Zingrich; grandchildren – Steven (Makayla) Bonney, Andrew (Kaitlyn) Sell, Kevin (Samantha) Bonney, Brittany (Connor) Wondrasch, Matthew (Rylie) Sell, Mark (Kelly Tam) Biedke, Katie (Connor) Mobley, Eric Biedke and Zachary Zingrich; great-grandchildren – Levi, Titus, Nora, Miles, Sophia, Charlotte, Aden, Charlie and Owen; siblings – Leon (Julie) Sell, Velma Woolford, Daryl (Patty) Sell and Larry (Barb) Sell; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial preference is Abiding Savior Lutheran Church – 4355 Butler Hill Road, St. Louis MO 63128.
Visitation will be at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8 from 10 am until 11:30 am, followed by a Memorial Service at noon.
Committal of Ashes will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Joe was a good man and role model. I will miss him greatly!
Thank you, Steve. He always enjoyed visiting with you at church!
What a GREAT Friend Joe was. My tears hold so many Happy Memories of the years we shared together. Happiness continued when Joe brought Joyce into our ring of friends. Losing a dear friend leaves a hole in your heart but the memories puts a smile on your face. Hugs and Kisses My Friend. Janan
Thank you, Janan. You and Jim have been such good friends to all of us!
Hugs and love for entire family. I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Joe and his entire beautiful, ever growing family. His sweet spirit and compassion and thoughtfulness will live on through his family.
Always a smile.
Thank you, Denise. Our families made lots of great memories together over the years!
To the Sell family,
The world lost an amazing man when God decided to call Joe Sell Sr. to heaven! He was always friendly, kind, polite, loving, helpful, and had such a great sense of humor! We will miss him so much!!
We know this is an especially profound loss for the family, the ones Joe loved the very most.
And, Joyce, his cherished bride, our prayers are with you in particular. Because of Joe we got to meet you, and for that we are thankful.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Sell family. We love you all!
Thanks for your kind words, Dan, Betsy and Reis. We love you too!
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father, husband and grandfather.
Thank you, Bill and Kim!
I cannot believe you are gone, Uncle Miles. Thank you for being such a Wonderful Uncle to me💙. I will miss you so much!
For All of us who were blessed by having known you and Loved you…you will be tremendously missed🙏🏻.
Thank you, Debbie. He sure loved you and always enjoyed your conversations!
You were a light in this world. We will miss you but know that we will see you again in Christ.
Thank you, Pam. He was always happy to visit with you and Tyler at church!
Uncle Joe will be missed by so many. He was a beacon of light wherever he was. So full of life,joy,compassion. Just a very sweet soul to be around. My heart aches that I won’t see that smile or hear his voice anymore. However, the memories bring a smile to me & I know he is heaven with so many of his family & freinds. One day soon we will all be together with Jesus & he along with others will greet us. Hugs and prayers for Joyce, Joe(Cindy) Sheri(Dan)Teri (Tom) and all the kids. He was a blessed man.
Thank you, Donna and Dave. Imagine the reunion they’re all having, including your dad! It’s hard for those of us left behind though…
A life well lived. Semper Fi Marine, your duty is complete. Until we meet again❤️
Thank you, Mike and Colleen. Amen!