Joe Louis Medina

Joe Louis Medina, 88, passed away peacefully May 29, 2024 with his loving wife, Isabel, by his
side.
"Little Joe" or "Louie", as he was affectionally known, was born June 9, 1935 in Wagon Mound
New Mexico to Jose Feliciano Medina and Dolores "Lola" Medina (nee Vigil). His father was an
avid boxing fan and he was named after the famous American professional boxer. He joined
sisters Elsie Doris and Tomasita in a growing family that would ultimately include additional
sisters: Isabela "Betty", Esther, Stella and a brother: David. Louie was descended from a long
line of New Mexican founding families and he was proud of his culture. He practiced the best
characteristics of his Spanish and indigenous lineage through his humility, work-ethic, patience, generosity, gratitude and acceptance.
Growing up on the llano of northern New Mexico, Louie assisted around the family ranchito by
tending to chickens, sheep, and goats. Louie was known as a very intelligent, polite and considerate child. He was charismatic and it was quick and easy for everyone to be enchanted by Louie's spirit. Given his scholarly efforts, Louie, was named student of the year his sophomore year in high school.
During his teenage years and seeking better economic opportunities, Louie joined his father in Pueblo, Colorado to begin construction on a house on East Ash that would prepare the way for his mother and siblings to join them. He and his father lived in a school bus on the property during the time of construction. Louie graduated from Centennial High School and shortly thereafter he served our country in the U.S. National Guard and began working at Colorado Fuel and Iron (CF&I). True to form, Louie's hard work advanced him in his career that culminated in his retirement from the Rail Mill after 33 years. Never the one to remain idle, Louie, kept himself busy "post-retirement" by helping family and friends in need with any project imaginable, by managing his multiple rental properties, and he was the owner of East Side Sewer and Drain. Industrious Louie enjoyed working until the last day he possibly could.
Louie was well known in Pueblo. He enjoyed church festivals, summer cook outs with family and friends, and cheering for the Denver Broncos. Louie was especially well known in the dance halls for his smooth latin dance moves and his classy attire. Whether dancing the cumbia or salsa, he was impressive to watch! He loved traveling and spent many summers in Puerto Vallarta with his loved ones. One highlight of his year was the annual family reunions with his beloved Vigil, Portillo, Duran, Chavez and Salazar aunts, uncles, and cousins. Later in life, Louie developed an affinity for gambling and he and Isabel made frequent trips to Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Las Vegas NV.
Louie was a dedicated family man. He dutifully honored his parents and he loved and he cared for his wife and children dearly.
He is proceeded in death by his parents: Jose F. Medina and Dolores Medina; sisters: Elsie Doris (Frank) Montoya, Esther (Frank) Pacheco, and Tomasita (Gilbert) Lanford, step-son Randy Sanchez, and former wives and mothers of his children Eva (nee Martinez) and Mary Ann (nee Archuleta).
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Isabel Medina (nee Chavez); his step-daughter Roberta Sanchez (Cyrus Kile), Pueblo CO; his children: Servando Medina, Las Vegas NM; Viola Medina, Thornton CO; Louis "Jim" Medina, San Jacinto CA; Steven (Chon Herrera III) Medina, Denver CO; and Salena Medina, Las Vegas NV; his grandchildren: Jerry Medina, Pueblo CO; Leticia (Adam) Cabrera, Thornton CO; Paige Lumpkin, Las Vegas NV; Brianna (Adam) Martinez, Pueblo, CO; Arin Allegra Grant, Colorado Springs CO; Darius (Alexzandria) Bunch, Pueblo CO; Peytan Sanchez, Colorado Springs, CO; and great-grandchildren: Mikayla Cabrera, Zyvin Martinez, Kai McIntosh, Mariah Cabrera, Xylah Bunch and Aolani Martinez.
He is also survived by sisters: Isabela "Betty" (Clint Ballard) Medina, Wellington CO; Stella(Gilbert) Tamayo, Pueblo CO; and by brother David (Robin) Medina, Pueblo CO.
He will also be cherished and sorely missed by his god children and his numerous nephews, nieces and the entire extended family. Louie will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to fill our hearts until we are all reunited with him in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in the care of Louie these past several years especially to the skilled medical care providers at Desert Willow Health and Rehabilitation Center and at Parkview Hospital, and to the compassionate professionals at Abode Hospice and Home Health.
Funeral service to be held on June 10, 2024 at 3:00pm at Angelus Chapel, 1102 E. Evans Avenue, Pueblo CO 81004. Louie's wife and children will receive family and friends to celebrate Louie's long influential life immediately following the service at American Legion Hall, 701 West 9th Street, Pueblo CO 81003. No viewing, cremation was performed.