More than 400 people attended the public memorial service Monday for Joel “Joe” Stevenson at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Stevenson, 57, passed away Jan. 18 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction after being hospitalized with complications related to COVID-19.
He was elected to the county Board of County Commissioners Montezuma County, representing the Mancos District 3 in 2020, served on the county Planning and Zoning board and was a livestock brand inspector for the Colorado Department of Agriculture for 22 years.
“He had a great impact on this community, he grew up here and was known by everybody, evidenced that there is not an empty seat in the house,” said Pastor Glen Randol.
A flowery memorial showed pictures of Stevenson’s active cowboy and family life. Sitton Shotgun played country songs, and his casket was brought in by horse and carriage.
“We could all share stories on how Joe impacted our lives. Hang on to that forever. We will not forget him,” Randol said.
County staff and commissioners attended the ceremony, and county offices were closed for the day in honor of Stevenson. Law enforcement from the county and area towns also attended the service.
Commissioners Jim Candelaria and Kent Lindsay and county Administrator Shak Powers previously released statements regarding Stevenson’s time serving the county.
“Joel valued the efforts of county employees and worked to reward them,” Powers said. “He understood the plight of the citizens of the county and worked to be sure their concerns were heard and their tax dollars were spent wisely.”
“Joel was definitely moving into a strong leadership role within the county, Candelaria said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.”
“I’ve lost a friend,” Lindsay said. “For the short time that he was on the board, Joel really dedicated himself to the job. His knowledge, especially of planning and zoning issues and everything related to agriculture, will be sorely missed.”
On Friday, the Montezuma County Republican Central Committee selected Gerald Koppenhafer to succeed Stevenson.
Koppenhafer, a veterinarian and president of Montezuma Valley Irrigation Co., previously served two terms as Montezuma County commissioner.
He will represent District 3 in Mancos until the general election in November. An election will be held for the seat, and the winner will serve the remainder of Stevenson’s term until 2024.
After the ceremony, Stevenson was laid to rest during a private service in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos. He was brought into the cemetery on a carriage pulled by his favorite horse.
A silent auction was set up at the memorial to help cover family expenses. Memorial donations can be made in Stevenson’s name at Dolores State Bank.
According to his obituary, Stevenson was born May 28, 1964, in Cortez. He resided at the family ranch in Mancos his entire life.
“He loved his childhood memories of his ranch and Mancos and never thought of living anywhere else,” the obituary states.
Stevenson is survived by his wife, Sheree Stevenson; his children, Colette Cox of Cortez, Chelsi Rosonke (Ben) of New Hampton, Iowa, Mary Jo Garcia (Tyrell) of Dolores, Jodie Loyd (Jake) of Pleasant View, Sam Williams of Golden; his siblings, Gerrie Deltondo of Alamosa, Sue Billings (Richard) of Grand Junction, Stan Stevenson of Grand Junction, Jimmy Collins (Brenda) of Phoenix, Deborah Huskey (Jerry) of Dolores, Mike Stevenson of Mancos; and seven grandchildren.
