1928
2014
Joe T. Dees, 85, of Farmington, went home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Joe was known as the local "Culligan Man." He was born Oct. 4, 1928, in Paducah, Texas, to William and Josephine Dees.
In 1950, he met Bonnie Jones in Arizona. It was love at first sight and they married nine days later. Joe moved to Aztec in 1954 with his wife and two-year-old daughter. By 1961 they had a total of four girls and a boy. "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (children)." Psalm 127:5.
He owned and operated the Farmington Culligan franchise for 43 years. He was a past member of the Lions Club and the Elks Club. He was a longtime member of the Eastside Church of Christ.
Joe was preceded in death by his father and mother; two brothers, three sisters and two sons-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Dees; his loving children, Debra Yeager of Farmington, Gayl Falconer of Tulsa, Okla., Kathy Dees of Farmington, Cherie Swarts of Farmington and Bill (Kellie) Dees of Aztec; his brothers, Harold Dees of Tucson, Ariz., Milan Dees of Redlands, Calif., Earl Dees of Douglas, Ariz.; his sister, Marylois Mortenson of Silver City; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Wedemeyer, Kellie Arnold, Jeremy (Leslie) Swarts, Justin (Christine) Swarts, Nickie Velasquez, Jessie (Zac) DeHerrera, Krista (Alex) Reibli; 16 great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Kylan, Devin, Paige, Brooke, Nathan, Matthew, Tyler, Riley, Cameron, Lane, Jacob, Devin, Rickie, Ryker and Zoey.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, also at brewer, Lee and Larkin. Interment will take place in Memory Gardens, with a reception to follow at Eastside Church of Christ, 2012 Huntzinger Ave. in Farmington.
Pallbearers are Jeremy Swarts, Nathan Swarts, Justin Swarts, Cameron Swarts, Alex Riebli, Bill Dees, Jacob Arenas and Robin Schmittel.
Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Dees, Milan Dees, Earl Dees, Zac DeHerrera, Matthew Swarts, Devin Carmona, Kylan Wedemeyer and Devin Arnold.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Home Helpers, especially, Amanda King and to NW New Mexico Hospice (PMS), especially Verna Tsingine, for all their loving care and attention to Joe.
Joe's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Deb, I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm so happy that you managed to get back to Farmington so you could spend time with your parents and family. I loved hearing the stories of your dad, and know he was a very special man. Trust in your faith that you will be reunited when the time comes! God bless you friend, and your entire family in this time of need. Know that your many friends are praying for you and yours. Love you.
Marikay Ramsey
May 19, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Dee's. He was a very kind man and I enjoyed the years I helped him with his insurance.
Nancy Wood
May 19, 2014
My deepest and sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
V.C.
May 19, 2014
Debra, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marietta Esquibel
May 19, 2014
Prayers are being said for your family. I talked with my mother this evening and let her know. We talked about him being know as the "Culligan Man". I remember the times we came over to your house on Zuni and those big logs that were upon the ceiling. Then we both remembered the water spout that Joe would display at the County Fair I would want to run my hand through the water trying to figure it out. My prayers will be with you all tomorrow and the days ahead.
Nancy Fleming-Ashworth
May 16, 2014
Ms.Debra, My prayers are with you and your family. May Our Heavenly Father draw closer than ever to you during this time of your loss. Keep close to your heart the wonderful memories you had together.
Linda Montano
May 16, 2014
Debra, so sorry for your loss. May our sweet Lord bless and keep you and your family in His loving care. Your Daddy will always be with you in your heart and memories. Love you Lady!!!
Margie Dupre
May 16, 2014
Debra, so sorry for your loss, please call if there is anything that I can do. My prayers go with you.
Marvnell Williams
May 16, 2014
Debra, I hope your fond memories of your Dad will help you through this difficult time. With my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Theresa Herrera
May 16, 2014
Debra, God bless you and your family now that you need him most. So sorry for your great loss. You father will be missed in this world.
Cabrini Rodriguez
May 16, 2014
Debra,
My prayers are with you and your family.
Joann Leon
May 16, 2014
Debra, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. But you know that you will see and be with him again. Take care of you! God Bless!
Anna Rudolph
May 16, 2014
Praying you find comfort and peace through our Lord and Savior. Blessings to your family during this time of loss.
Tamara Faust
May 16, 2014
Debra - I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family.
Joyce Lucero-Bonnell
May 16, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barbara Witmore
May 16, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. Praying you find comfort in knowing he is with our Lord and Savior. Blessings and compassion during this time.
Tamara Faust
May 16, 2014
Debra -
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Debby Lucero
May 16, 2014
Debbie, your BLM family shares in your loss, and is wishing you and your family comfort and peace in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Feel free to call your "other family" if there is anything we can do.
BLM Farmington
May 16, 2014
Bill, Cherie and families,
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Doug and Teresa Hunt
May 15, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home103 East Ute Street, Farmington, NM 87401
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