Joel was born on July 17, 1959 in Loreauville, Louisiana to Lee L. Dugas and Peggy Buford Dugas, and lives in Loreauville. He is married to Fran Belaire Dugas also of Loreauville, for 30 years and have 5 children, Jake, Emmalea, Catherine, John and Matt.

He graduated from Loreauville High School in 1977 and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, majoring in Industrial Technology. In December of 2011, Joel retired from British Petroleum after 30 years of service, with the last 10 years in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

Joel also served 10 years as an elected member of the Iberia Parish School Board, with two years serving as president. He also served as the girls’ softball coordinator for the Loreauville Youth Baseball Association for 5 years. He is also an active member of St. Josephs Catholic Church, and serves as an Extraordinary Minister and a committed adorer in the adoration chapel.