Joe Magruder

Joe Magruder



Joseph Eugene Magruder was born to Joseph E. Magruder and Elizabeth Marie Stucki Magruder on May 25th, 1932 in Monte Vista Colorado. He was called home peacefully on May 27th, 2021 at the age of 89.

He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who was known for his kindness and compassion, caring deeply about other people and animals. He married his Monte Vista, CO childhood neighbor Francis Diane Conant in November 1955 and they shared 52 wonderful years together before her too early passing in December 2007.

Joe is survived by his son Joseph Brian and daughter-in-law Deborah Anne Magruder of Fruita, CO, grandchildren Matthew of St. Paul MN, Jennifer of Berkeley, CA, and Amy of Atlanta, GA, nephews and nieces of NM and Texas and his very good friend and supporter Lisa Wingert of Grand Junction, CO.

After graduating from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM in 1951, Joe joined the Navy during the Korean War, was stationed in Guam, Newport, RI and performed sea duty in Japan and Korea. Upon returning after 4 years, he married Diane and joined Sandia Laboratories. He later earned a business degree that led to many challenging assignments including positions in the Medical Department, representative for the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) in Carlsbad, NM and later a position in the Public Relations Dept. After retiring in 1982, Joe and Diane moved back to Carlsbad, NM and enjoyed traveling in their RV, spending summers in Ruidoso, NM and winters in Arizona and Texas. In 1996 they moved to the Western Slope of Colorado and settled in Clifton.

Joe moved to Grand Junction in 2008 and spent much of his late retirement years volunteering at St. Mary's Hospital shuttling patients and visitors and making popcorn.

Services will be held on June 23rd at 11:00 AM in the mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice or the animal rescue cause of your choice.