Joe Rateau

R.I.P

I've known him my whole life and he made me feel very special and very loved.He was a big kid.He taught me to be and individual, a leader.I used to stand on his work boots and we'd dance when I was five.He also taught me to steer the car at six.I miss making cakes with him on a stool licking the bowl and smearing it on each other.He was a very good looking man who took my breath away. His very presence was magical.I Loved his deep voice so did his fans.He was my buddy and I valued every bit...

I met Joe when I worked at the Aurora Police Department. It turned into a friendship. He invited me to the 56/KLZ studios a couple of times while he did the show and I met him several times at remotes he did. I found him and his family to be very engaging and friendly. I always enjoyed listening to him during the heyday years at 56/KLZ. The station used to play a promotional jingle that said "THERE'S ONLY ONE 56/KLZ" That certainly could be said about JOCKEY JOE. "THERE'S ONLY ONE."...

Joe was my big brother who I love and will miss very much. So many wonderful memories were shared by our whole family. Family was so important to Joe and vacations were more fun when shared with the whole family, brother, sisters, spouses and the kids. He loved sharing. He interviewed the stars and was kind enough to talk to those who were homeless. He even made a record about a homeless man he met. He was my brother in law but he was like my big brother. Thanks for the precious memories.

Papaw I will miss everything about you. Thank you for loving me so much and showing me that I can do anything that I put my mind to.My favorite memory of you is when you wanted to drive to the grocery store when your eyes were getting bad. You would say ok, tell me if there is a stop sign and tell me if the light is red. We made it everytime although it was a bit scary. I will treasure the memories that we have forever.

Jockey Joe was an important voice in our teen years in Cincinnati, OH. When we had the opportunity to meet him, he was the nicest guy with a great voice and a wonderful talent for turning a bus into a beautiful traveling home! Joe, you went through so much physical pain but kept that 'great guy' attitude. Thank you for the memories and the inspiration. You will be missed, but heaven is a better place!

In science class we learned that although energy can be altered in its state it can never be destroyed. Your abundance of energy means you will always be with us, JJ.
Miss ya guy.
"Fuzzy"

We have been friends of Joe & Alice since living in Denver in the 80's. We have many wonderful stories. We are going to miss his humor and just the person he was.

Jockey Joe, We spoke many times but I never did get to meet you in person. I worked for Ryder and you used to call to see if I could find you a truck to pull your 5th wheel. You sent me a bunch of tapes one year and a CD of Christmas tunes another year. I always enjoyed talking to you. You had a great zest for life despite your health issues. Rest in Peace and God Bless.