Joel A. Hartman, 85, died on January 22, 2015, of Newtown Square, PA. He was predeceased by his wife, Sara and two sons, Frank and Eric. He served as Emeritus Professor of Rural Sociology at the University of Missouri – Columbia, where his teaching career spanned 40 years, and received the prestigious Kemper Teaching Award. He was also known for teaching elective courses on the Amish and Mennonite communities. Survivors include three daughters: Tina, Anita, Elizabeth, daughter-in-law Nancy, two sisters Bernice and Lorie, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Donations in his memory may be made to University of Missouri, Office of Advancement, 2-4 Agriculture Building, Columbia, MO, 65211. Interment will be private.