Joe Carl Crisp, 91, of Greeley, died Friday, October 15, 2021 at Grace Pointe of Greeley. He was born March 16, 1930, in Los Angeles, CA, to John and Virgie (Swager) Crisp. A year later his parents returned to Stockton, Missouri, and then moved to Ault, CO, in 1946, and in September of 1947 moved to Evans.
In 1947, Joe went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. Six months later he transferred to the Union Pacific Railroad where he began a long railroad career which included serving as the employee union representative. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and served until 1953, primarily in Korea.
He married Dolores Kelley on October 10, 1953 in Greeley. They had two daughters, Kathleen and Rosemary. They made Evans, CO, their home.
In 1964, he purchased the Evans Motor Company and began his lifelong dream of owning his own antique business, opening the Collector’s Den in 1965. In 1990, he retired from his position with the Union Pacific as the Bridge and Building Supervisor where his territory expanded from Denver to Salina, KS, to the east and north to the Wyoming/Montana border. He then had the best retirement job ever, running his antique store, which he and his wife operated for 30 years. After selling the business in 1995, they moved to Greeley. Joe continued his antiquing passion by selling antique toys and collectible at flea markets, toy shows, and on eBay.
Joe also served the City of Evans on the Town Board and as the Planning and Zoning Commissioner and Chairman from 1964-1965. He was a member of the Evans Volunteer Fire Department and lifetime member of the Evans VFW.
Joe was a lifelong learner who had a vast knowledge of history and antiques that he loved to share with others, and had a story for any subject. His family will miss his stories the most.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Showers and husband Myron of Briggsdale, daughter Rosemary Crisp of Greeley, brother Don Crisp of Greeley, and two granddaughters, Heather Krug and Amanda Showers of Denver. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dolores, brother John Crisp, and Sister Barbara Giese.
A visitation will be held from 4-6:00 P.M. Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Allnutt Funeral Sevice, Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO. Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 25, 2021 at Allnutt Funeral Service as well. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
To share memories and condolences please visit Allnuttgreeley.com.
