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BORN
1947
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Joe Herrera Obituary
He married Sue C. Atkins on October 15, 1966, in Durango at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together they raised two children who are their pride and joy, Annette and Chris. Joe's greatest treasure was his grandchildren: Alex, Nicholas, Morgan, Larissa and Makayla and he was their biggest fan! Socializing was his second passion. At times his family would think, he would be running for mayor, no matter which town he was visiting, due to his social personality.
Joe was kind hearted, friendly, made everyone feel like family and at home when visiting, and always with a great sense of humor. Family meant everything to Joe, immediate, and extended family (3rd, 4th, 5th cousins); he was the glue that kept us all together not losing contact, making sure the younger generations knew each other. He would be there for them, just as quickly as he would be there for his own children. As Joe said many times, "that is what family does". He had many that knew him as "Grandpa Joe".
Joe had many hobbies, the first being his motorcycle, with many adventures with his motorcycle family. He loved hunting from a very young age with his Uncle Joe, killing his first deer with a .22lr. So many stories of hunting with his brothers, the adventures they had, and some wondering how they survived. The most recent years of hunting was with his son, Chris and the grandkids. Oh, and let's not forget, all the fishing trips on the pontoon boat, very memorable with the family, enjoying the days of being on the lakes fishing and BBQ's. He loved camping, with his parents and brothers' families at Williams Creek to most recently at hunting camp on Devil Mountain.
Another of Joe's hobbies was playing the guitar, he started playing at an early age. He played and sang with many Spanish bands, the last being a local favorite the "Los Mitotes". Family and friends would attend the practice sessions in his parents garage, where many who would come to listen and dance. Passing motorist would even stop and dance in the driveway. The "Los Mitotes" played at many events, from fiestas, parades, graduations and weddings throughout Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.
Joe was a truck driver for over 40 years, driving big rigs over the road for 30 years. During layovers throughout the country, he would visit with nearby family or friends. He had an excellent memory of the best routes to take, in any city or state he had traveled. Joe could tell you where to stop for a good meal and the best truck stops. Two days before Joe passed, he was giving directions to a friend over the phone, on the quickest route to take his semi through Kansas City for a delivery.
Joe was the very first "State Champion" in Ignacio High School in 1965 for the 880 yard run. He continues to hold the school record for that race. Joe always maintained his small town roots and was a very proud Ignacio Bobcat! He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, many nieces and nephews.
Services for Joe will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. There will be a rosary at 9:00 AM, eulogy at 9:30 followed by Mass at 10:00 AM. A dinner immediately following services at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, for one of Joe's favorite things "socializing and telling stories" will take place. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be sent to the Hospice of Mercy in Durango.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Herrera
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
irene olguin berumen
June 8, 2019
To The Herrera Family,
I would like to send my condolences to you all, Annette wish I could be with you, but know you and Chris are in my prayers May the Lord heal your broken hearts, you two were your Daddys pride and joy. I will always value the memories of us growing up. your dad was a great person. I will always remember his laughter and his singing. may he rest in peace. and may the Lord bless you all, Louis, Janie, Rebecca, David, Robin, Bennie, and Eliseo.
June 8, 2019
Our deepest sympathies go out to you Sue, Chris & Kathy and family, Annette & Paul and family. We know that Joe meant the world to you and just know that he meant the world to all of us who loved to listen to his music and stories. We loved socializing with him, we loved him. May he rest in peace and the comfort of the Blessed Mother be about you as you go through this hard time knowing he has passed on to be with the Lord, Amen!
Debbie Valencia and Sam Velasquez
jimmy and Diane valencia
June 7, 2019
To the Herrera Family. My wife and I send our deepest condolences. We have known Joe and his family for years. Always a pleasant and friendly gentleman when we ran into him on our visits to Ignacio. Rest in peace
June 7, 2019
Dear Sue and Family,
I am not going to be able to come to the funeral. I am sick.I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a kind and good man. We really had fun in school. He was a big jokester. Linda Norton
Judith Johnson
June 6, 2019
Mom and I loved Joe very much. He and Sue made us feel so welcome when we moved across the street on Piedra. Joe is in my heart. He is singing and playing his guitar with the angels now. God is smiling and tapping his heavenly toes.
Thomas Archu;eta
June 4, 2019
Joe we go a long way back to high school days you were always an up front friend may you rest in peace
Vi (Jacques) Shahan
June 4, 2019
Joe was like family to me and my family. Growing up we spent a lot of time together, because his grandparents and mine were close neighbors and worked together at crop gathering time. After leaving Ignacio, when I would come home, Joe would call me and we would meet for coffee or lunch. He always kept in touch and I will say he was a true friend. He will be missed by so many, but he was loved and respected by many people close and far. Condolences to his family and know that he is in a place where there is no pain and he is in God's grace. God Bless you
June 4, 2019
The Mestas Family wishes to pay their condolences to the Joe Herrera family. May your friends and family bring you comfort during this time. Joe was in our prayers for healing, and is now in our prayers during his journey.
June 4, 2019
I'm very sorry to read of Mr. Herrera's passing. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family. Jeremiah 29:11, 12 assures us God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope. And that if we come and pray to Him, He will listen to us. In the days to come may you find comfort in that hope.
CW/JW
Darlene Frost
June 4, 2019
I am very shocked to hear of my dear friend Joe's passing. I will always remember the good times we all shared in High School, & especially when he greeted me with "Hang on Sloopy." Joe was a very avid Sports spectator watching his Son Chris, Grandsons & Granddaughters play all the Sports they participated in. He did have a huge caring & loving heart for everyone he met along his path. My sincere condolences to you Sue, Annette, Chris & all his Grandchildren's. I will miss seeing Joe at the sporting events, Restaurants & elsewhere. Remember that he will be in Spirit sitting in the stand cheering on his Grandchildren.
We will miss you. May the Creator be with your Family & give them peace & comfort.
RIP my dear ole friend.
Darlene Frost & Family
Tara Mitchell
June 4, 2019
I am so sorry to see this. Joe was a great man and funny friend. We used to call him Lizard man from the insulin he used. I hope he is up laughing with Myra. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
June 4, 2019
I went to school with Joe and re-connected with him when I moved back to the area. Joe was a very out-going and friendly person and will be missed by all that knew him. RIP Joe!! God gathered another angel for his Heavenly choir.
Sheryl(Sheri) Smith Wyatt
Pete and Polly Lopez
June 3, 2019
Our condolences to all the family.
We did not know Joe very well. However, every time we met him he spoke to us like we were old friends. We will miss running into him in Ignacio.
Sleep well my friend, we will see you one day walking on the streets of gold!
Farewell,
Pete and Polly Lopez
Arboles, Colorado
June 3, 2019
Queremos hacerles saber que los estamos pensando mucho, si bien no tuvimos oportunidad de compartir mucho tiempo con Joe en estos úlimos años. Siempre nos vamos a sentir su calidez, generosidad, y afecto con todos,claro, todos vamos a extrañarlo.
Recibe todo nuestro cariño,
Familia Candelaria, Magdalena, Roger, Gabito, Consuelo, Laura, Danny
willard Reider
June 3, 2019
Condolences to the family of Joe.Yes he will definitely be missed a whole lot. Many memories of Joe especially back in the day during high school boy those were some enjoyable days and even before he passed away he always had a great story to tell. Going to miss you. May the good lord watch over your family Joe and give them strength to live day by day. God bless
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