Joseph "Joe" Darrin Woodward

The first born of Carol and Delbert Woodward, Joe was raised in Castle Rock, Colorado. Throughout his early years, he played youth football, basketball, and especially enjoyed playing drums in the band. Joe developed a love of driving at a young age and enjoyed riding motorcycles and three-wheelers when his family moved to the country. He loved classic cars and could often be seen cruising around with his friends in a red, convertible Camaro.

Upon high school graduation, Joe attended college at Arizona State University and later finished at the University of Phoenix. He then moved back to Colorado and, with his dad, built a home just west of Kiowa. He dabbled in construction and real estate temporarily until he found his way to Montana and purchased a small motel. He operated Riverside Inn for 19 years until his untimely passing.

Much like his grandfather and namesake, Joe was a quiet man with a huge heart. He was a loyal friend to many. His employees shared stories of how Joe helped them by buying them cars, giving them a place to live, and even posting bail! If help was needed, Joe was the first one to show up.

Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing with his cousin, Scott, who also owns a motel right down the road. Joe could often be seen in Denver at auctions buying furniture and other supplies for the motel and piling them high on his gooseneck trailer to haul to Montana. He knew all the best places to stay and eat between here and there.

Joe especially loved his nephews, Ryker and Truitt. Whenever he was back in Colorado, he spent time with them playing games, shooting hoops, or finding other adventures together.

Joe is survived by his mother, Carol Woodward; sister, Kyla Slate and husband Craig; brother, Pat Woodward; nephews, Ryker and Truitt Woodward; cousin Scott Woodward and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Delbert; his grandparents, Joe and Marian Klement, and his grandmother, Agnes Woodward.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on July 12, 2025 at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

The family asks that any donations go to the American Diabetes Association.