Joe graduated from Douglas County High School in 2006. He received his Associates Degree in Geology from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO.
He worked for the Museum of Nature and Science in Denver doing paleontology work. He loved helping with dinosaur digs and his greatest passions were geology and paleontology. He was instrumental in the discovery of new dinosaurs and did great research, especially in the Kaiparowits.
He got his love of the outdoors from his father who is a rancher and a retired bareback bronc rider. He was active in 4H and FFA, were he served as the Colorado State Vice President.
Joe was a family man who answered the call of adventure wherever it took him. He had a great sense of humor and loved to play pranks. One of his favorite holidays was 4th of July where he would put on a big firework show with his older brother, Shawn.
He never let a day go by without telling his mother how much he loved her. They would can pickles and spend lots of time in the kitchen together. He had a special bond with his grandmother, Lucy Vallejos.
Joe was a devoted son and an amazing little brother. He will be remembered for his fighting spirit and his infectious smile that lit up any room he walked into.
He is survived by both his parents, his brother, and many nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved and greatly missed.
