Joseph Beggs Schieffelin

Retired State Senator Joseph Beggs Schieffelin ("Joe") died peacefully in Lakewood, Colorado, on June 11, 2016, at the age of 89. Joe is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his three children, Joe, Janie, and Ted, and eighteen grandchildren. His wife, children and grandchildren will always remember his strong character, love of the United States of America, optimism, how he made people laugh and smile, honesty, sincerity, kindness, patience, helpfulness, wisdom, love, warmth, and humor. Joe was a Colorado State Representative from 1963 - 1964. He then served in the State Senate from 1967 -1978, serving as Senate Majority Leader from 1973-1974. Joe wrote the bill that required hunters to wear blaze orange, saving many lives. He also was proud of his part in creating the Colorado Junior College system and Golden Gate State Park west of Golden. He loved working with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, particularly the Game and Fish Division, as an advocate for wildlife. Being a State Senator was Joe's favorite job. Family and faith were the most important parts of his life. He passed his love of music to every child and grandchild. He also loved crossword puzzles, and had an incredible vocabulary and understanding of the English language. He loved to fish and taught his son-in-law and several grandchildren how to catch, clean and cook fish. Always an avid reader, he passed on his love of reading as well, especially the stories of Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey. He had an infectious laugh and an ability to make any and everyone smile by singing or cracking jokes up until he could no longer speak. His faith came gradually, from a realization there was SomeOne bigger, through a Senate Chaplain who filled in the blanks for him, to a sincere belief in Christ as his Savior. Now we are blessed to know that he is in Heaven with Jesus. A memorial service is scheduled at Beth Eden Baptist Church, at 26th and Wadsworth, at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2016. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe's life with his family.