Joseph H. Guy Jr.

Joseph Hilliard Guy, Jr. passed away from natural causes on March 22, 2021 in Louisville, CO. He was born January 19, 1930 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico between older sister Emma Faye and younger brother William. He was named Hilliard Morton Guy by his father, Joseph, and mother, Fannie, who died when Hilliard was 13 years old. He lived his early years as you imagine a small-town boy would; driving his dad’s car at 12 years old on the ranch, even into town, and becoming friends with the local police force who accepted this practice.

He legally changed his name to Joseph Hilliard Guy, Jr. in his teens to honor his father. He studied at New Mexico State University in the ROTC program when he met his future wife, Donna Goldsby, while pumping gas at his dad’s station as a part time job. After achieving a degree in Animal Husbandry, he married Donna and completed his military duty in the Air Force with their first child, Ron, being born in the Philippines.

Joe returned to New Mexico and he and a friend established a horse stable in Las Cruces where they trained horses and held rodeos. Their second child, Larry, was born soon after. The birth of their third child, Jolene, made him realize that the profits from the stable would not support a family and he returned to New Mexico State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering while working as a mechanic and salesman at the local Cadillac dealer.

After graduating with his EE degree, Joe worked at Lockheed in California, Grumman in New Mexico, and finally Ball Aerospace in Boulder. He retired from Ball after working for 25 years to care for his beloved Donna, who he loved more than words can describe. They were married 53 years before she passed in 2006.

Joe was a man of strict values with a “live with your actions” attitude. His focus was always on the well being of his family such as offering to pay for college and ensuring they were not burdened with debt upon his passing. Typical of his generation, his frugal nature meant that vacations were road trips with accommodations in the tent trailer at the KOA. Nothing makes lasting memories quite like driving through the Mojave Desert in the middle of the back seat of a non-air-conditioned car heading to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings. He is survived by sons Ron, Larry (Peggy), daughter Jolene Radostis (Dann), and five grandchildren: Emily Cypher (Tyler), Alan Guy, Aubrey Harrigan (David), Lelah Radostis, and Brian Radostis.

A private family memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TRU Hospice Care, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026. Memories can be shared at www.cristmortuary.com.

Joe was a good man, loved and respected by his family and peers. Say ‘Hi’ to Mom from all of us as you reunite and share your wonderful eternity.