JOEL HOLCOMB McNATT, 51, went home to the Lord too soon for his family and friends on June 18, 2009. Joel approached life with gusto, earning awards and accolades every step of the way, but he'll be remembered most for his love of life, and his constant willingness to lend a helping hand. He was born to Daniel and Laura (Holcomb) McNatt in Louisville, KY on April 20, 1958. Joel graduated as salutatorian of his class from Bishop Mark K. Carroll HS in Wichita, KS, and then attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism. There he was awarded the Thrower Memorial Scholarship, the Univ. of Oklahoma Achievement Award Scholarship, and the Top Ten Fraternity Men on Campus Award. Joel was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, where he served as pledge trainer, house president and later as chapter advisor. After graduation from OU, Joel worked in the oil and gas industry for 15 years before following his long-time dream of attending law school. He was awarded a full scholarship at Oklahoma City University where he received his Juris Doctorate, Suma Cum Laude, in 1996, finishing 2nd in his class of 147. He also received 14 American Jurisprudence Awards, and served as editor of the Law Review. In addition to his membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association and the American Bar Association, he was still active in the Oklahoma City Association of Petroleum Landmen, and served on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together OKC. He was a long-time member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in OKC. Joel enjoyed fishing and playing golf, and was a master of the backyard grill. Growing up in a musical family, Joel loved singing and playing the guitar and banjo. His genuine warmth and humble ways made people love him. What mattered most to Joel was his family. Joel is survived by his parents Daniel and Laura McNatt; wife Jillane; daughter Meredith Nelson and husband Michael; daughter Holly McNatt;brother Paul McNatt and wife Pam; brother Timothy McNatt; sister Amy Dolf and husband Tim; nieces and nephews Melanie McNatt; Ivy, Danny and Barry Dolf; mother-in-law Doris Walters; brother-in-law Calvin Walters and wife Alice; brother-in-law Travis Walters and wife Viola; and many dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Memorial services will be held at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 West Hefner Road in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 23 at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rebuilding Together OKC, 730 West Wilshire Boulevard, Suite108, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116, Phone: 405.607.0464 Fax:405.607.0362 http://www.rebuildingtogetherokc.org