Joseph William Cantrell was born the 6th child to James and Jean Cantrell on May 13, 1956. A native Oregonian and Pleasant Hill resident since 1957, Joe was devoted to his family. As long as he could remember he loved watching things grow. Whether it was plowing, planting or preparing the harvest he found joy in spending hours and hours on his tractors. Joe, whose father, grandfather and great grandfather had been farmers had a rich appreciation for the land and its history. Joe graduated from Pleasant Hill High School and married his high school sweetheart and mother of his five children. In addition to farming, Joe worked at Trus Joist for 27 years until his medical retirement in 2014. In 1993, Joe married Peggy (Axe) Cantrell and the two of them became nine with Joe's five and Peggy's two children.
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Joe farmed beans, corn, strawberries, pumpkins and even flowers on his Pleasant Hill farm. His farmer's heart had an affinity for old tractors and he restored a 1956 John Deere model 60. Joe was best known for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, kindness to others, bravery, humility, light hearted humor, work ethic and his commitment to those he loved most. In 2014, Joe was diagnosed with GBM brain cancer; battling and outliving 96% of those devastated by this cruel disease. Joe's faith guided his battle and even in the midst of multiple surgeries, clinical trials and all manner of treatment he never complained or felt sorry for himself. Rather, Joe's courage and inspiring hope spilled over to others. In October of this year he and Peggy renewed their wedding vows and their love for one another. Joe couldn't have been prouder of his children and their spouses; often bragging about their good looks. As proud as he was of his children there were few things that brought him more joy than his grandchildren. Joe was an engaging grandfather and had special relationships with each of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Cantrell of 25 years, two sons Jeremy (Shanel) Cantrell and Joshua (Stephanie) Cantrell and three daughters Tracee (Michael) Aliotti, Stefanie (Matt) Euteneier and Ashley (Jered) Jones and Peggy's daughters Jody and Heather Kinsfather whom he loved as his own. In addition to his children Joe is survived by fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, one brother, James Cantrell and nine sisters, Connie Radebaugh, Kerry Nelson, Shelley Vitus, Kathy Damewood, Willie Lee, Chrissy Kersey, Holly VanRas, Molly Parmenter and Shawn Williams. Joe will also be missed by his extended family; including his children's grandmother, an aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws. Joe's endearing friendships were an important part of his life; he leaves behind many friends he counted as his family. Joe was preceded in death by one sister, Gail Williams and parents James and Jean Cantrell.
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