Joel David Vanatta

Joel David Vanatta, 49, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed on May 20, 2021. Joel was born August 26, 1971, in Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Vanatta, and mother, Sherry Vanatta. Joel is survived by his wife, Holly Vanatta; son, Miles Vanatta (Samantha); daughter, Megan Vanatta; two grandchildren, Kaylee and Kayvan Vanatta; brothers, Jeff Vanatta and Jason Vanatta (Emily); nieces and nephews, Zack, Austin, Bayley, Allyson, Owen, Noah and Payton Vanatta all of Wichita, and his dog, Daisy Duke. Joel grew up in Haysville, Kansas. He worked the majority of his life as a semi truck driver and most recently as a meat inspector at Elkhorn Valley Packing in Harper, Kansas. Joel met his wife, Holly, in the summer of 1988, she was 14 and he was 16. They married March 15, 1997. They spent 32 years together and 24 years married. Joel and Holly welcomed their first-born child, Miles, on October 17, 1991. Seven years later, on August 22, 1998, they welcomed their daughter, Megan. Joel loved his children unconditionally and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He became a grandfather to Kaylee in October 2015 and Kayvan in September 2019. They were the light of his life and he loved being their grandpa/papa Joel. Joel’s most passionate hobbies included spending time with all his family grilling out or having fish fries. He loved to go fishing and hunting with his brothers, son and daughter, and nieces and nephews. He enjoyed traveling as a truck driver and loved when family would go over the road with him. Joel was an avid lifelong Chiefs fan and KU Basketball fan. He waited his whole life to see the Chiefs win a Super Bowl; his wish came true in 2020. Joel loved to watch his daughter, Megan, play softball and to coach her in basketball. Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again, we love you infinity. Visitation is Wednesday, May 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm; Funeral Services are Thursday, May 27 at 2pm, both at Downing and Lahey Mortuary West located at 10515 W. Maple St. Wichita, KS 67209. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up for Joel at https://gofund.me/67873872