Joel Stevenson Loved By So Many
By Sherry Simmons
It would be hard in Montezuma County to find anyone who did not know or know of Joel Stevenson.
Joel Stevenson, Husband, Father, grandfather, Brother, Brand Inspector, County Commissioner, Cowboy, draftsman, and friend to so many went to be with the Lord On January 18, 2022.
Joel impacted the life's of everyone he touched. A gentle soul, caring and compassionate. As a Brand Inspector he was never too busy to come out to a ranch. Never too busy to stay and talk a while, and never too busy to listen.
As a county commissioner Joel was compassionate about the community. He shared the passion of ranching, understood the importance of agriculture and recognized the endless days it took to be a cowboy. He was thoughtful of the hard work that goes into farms and livestock and he respected his community.
One might say that Joel knew no stranger for he treated everyone as a friend. He loved children, you could always find him near the barns during the 4H fair. His face was a familiar sight at the Cortez Livestock Sale Barn. Although as a brand inspector it was his job to be there he enjoyed visiting the ranchers and often could be found having a piece of pie as he and others discussed how to fix the world.
In August of 2018 Joel married the love of his life, Sheree. Their combined families was a match made in heaven. It was not hard to see the happiness shine as they shared life.
Joel was happy and it was undeniable. Sheree brought Joel a new glow of life. They shared a love that not many find. A new life joining families and enjoying it to the fullest. They understood as a couple that marriage is work and they valued each other as the precious gift it was. They lived life together from hunting, to cattle ranching to grand-kids sports to valuing the blessing of family.
Joel's Daughter set up a business in the parking lot of The Cortez Livestock Sale Barn. In January of 2021 they founded Cow Camp Coffee.
Together Jodie Loyd, Amanda Spurgeon, and Mary-jo Steveson quickly made it it a success. It became to go-to-place for good coffee and great food. A few months into this endeavor the girl took over the Cattleman's Cafe inside the sale barn. Joel was so very proud and never hesitated to recommend this great new business.
The community heard about Joel's illness and social media was covered in prayers. Joel touched so many life's and there must have been thousands of prayers for his healing. The news of his death hit close to home and the community is still in a state of shock. The Good Lord took Joel home, and though we do not understand, we can take comfort in knowing Joel is with the Lord. The Mysteries belong to God and God alone, we must trust his plans and stay faithful. God blessed this community with a very special person, a gentle soul, and friend to many. Although grief has hit our community hard we are so thankful to have been blessed to know him for the length of time God gave us.
Prayers of comfort to his family, God knows your tears and healing will come in time.
Our deepest condolences to all those who loved Joel and are hurting. Thanks be to Almighty God for sharing Joel with us.
Below are a few posts from those who love Joel. We plan to post another story of Joe's life, with the permission of his family , after some time of healing.
I never understands gods plan and really don’t understand why he take a wonderful cowboy in his prime. This is my prayer for his family and friends lord: I cry for those left behind, for the lonely ones with holes in their hearts. I ask You to comfort them give peace, restore hope, and lavish them with love, family, and belonging. Ease their pain on the many first with out this great man. Bring Joy to know they are who they are for him being in there lives, as dad, brother, and friend. I cry for the legacy Joe has left his loved ones in death, for the ways the world has been made different by his presence, for the memories that become both more beautiful and more painful on this side of death. And I pray that the work He has accomplished in this remarkable life will grow deeper, wider, and stronger in the days to come.
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Father God- please love on the family and let them know that they have a huge support team that is here for them. May their strength come from you. In Jesus name- Amen
Rest in Peace Joel
I just read this. My prayers Joel Stevenson and family. God be with you!
We love you Uncle Joel.
Joel Stevenson You will be missed by many!! Rest In Peace
My heart is broken by the loss of my little brother Joel Stevenson. Thank you Joe for all you have done for our whole family. You were the most loving kind man ever. Everyone’s stories are all about the same. You left a permanent imprint on everyone you were ever around. I was and will forever be proud of you and love you. We were all blessed to have you in our lives. Until we meet again little brother I’m proud to be your big sister
My Heart is Shattered, I can't even imagine my life without my Brother, he's always had the biggest Heart and has helped me so many times throughout the years, my life will never be the same as well as many other family and friends, my Brother was the most hard working man I know, this post isn't about me rather than my Brothers Legacy that I will fight for every day, I could never fill his boots but I will protect everything and everyone he Loved and that's a promise, I Love you Brother
Rest in peace my friend. May God watch over your family and help them to heal. We miss you, and we will never forget your beautiful heart.
Joel will be sorely missed, he was always good to me and my family. He was even kind to my pup after he’d nipped his belly. Rest Cowboy.
I just remember Joel helping a lot in the arenas during high school rodeo... he helped the kids, he worked the arena.. brought livestock, whatever he could do... he had a gentle non assuming spirit, to me he was a true & friendly cowboy, who ALWAYS lent a hand ✋ 😏 my regret is not ever telling him this myself... although I thought it many times... love to his daughters, grandchildren & family... what can I do for you all...???? Please let me know...God does take the very best... rest in peace gentle cowboy 🤠 😔 God bless you all ❤ 😍 Debra Randall & Family.