Joel Allen Halverson, 58, of Morgantown, passed away on February 18, 2019. He was born December 7, 1960, to Jerry and the late Nancy Halverson.
Joel graduated from Wheeling Park High School in 1979. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Geography from West Virginia University. Joel remained true to his Mountaineer roots spending over 20 years at WVU, starting his career as a Research Associate, with the majority of his time in The Department of Community Medicine as the Director for the Office for Social Environment and Health Research. He spent many years working with a team in the development of data and research to support the Bonnie’s Bus Project. He was nationally recognized for his research and was especially proud of his work on Health Disparities and Illness, which was distributed by the National Institute of Health and US Congress.
Surviving is his father, Jerry Halverson and his wife, Pokey, of Fort Meyers, Fla.; his wife of 30 years, Lori (Velas) Halverson; a daughter, Tess Halverson, of Charleston, S.C.; a daughter, Andi Halverson, at home; a son, Seth Halverson, at home; two siblings, Steve (Rosie) Halverson, of North Canton, Ohio, Scott (Kim) Halverson, of Titusville, Fla.; survived and loved by mother-in-law, Linda Velas, of Wheeling; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Halverson.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home, Omega Crematory.
Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, from 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, until the time of memorial service at 7 p.m. with Bishop Matthew Regal officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joel’s memory to WVU Foundation/Bonnie’s Bus, WVU Cancer Institute, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Boz 9300, Morgantown, WV 26506.
Condolences: hastingsfuneralhome.com
