Joe Max Holeyfield

On Monday October 16, 2023, Joe Max Holeyfield passed away at the age of 85. The Holeyfield family along with other family and friends mourn his passing. Joe was a resident of Meeker for over 30 years and loved throughout the community for his friendly nature and care for all those he knew. Joe never met a stranger.

Joe was born September 10, 1938 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Joe H. Holeyfield and Enid King. Joe later lived in Hamilton, TX for several years along with Austin, TX and McAllen, TX. He attended Texas A&M University where he was member of the corp. He moved to Azle, TX in 1963 and was office manager at Tri-County Electric. In 1975 Joe accepted the general manager position at White River Electric Association in Meeker, CO.

Joe was general manager of White River Electric Association for 25 years from 1975 – 2000. He was the 9th GM and longest tenured GM in WREA history. Joe also worked for the town of Meeker for several years after retiring from White River Electric. He was always ready to help clubs, organizations, and benefits by giving of his time and talent. He was well liked everywhere he went due to his caring personality and friendly demeanor.

Joe had the gift of gab and instruction on how things needed to be done. If you ran into him in Meeker or anywhere else, you’d better not be in a hurry. He loved to talk about any project you had going and how he could help. Anyone who ever had the opportunity to have Joe volunteer his instructional wisdom concerning a project, understood he would give you advice down to the smallest detail.

Joe married Linda Erkman on March 20, 1982 and were married for 40 years. Along with living in Meeker they also resided in Reedsport, OR for a few years before moving back to Grand Junction, CO. Joe and Linda were active in everything that WREA had going in Meeker. They were also very active in building projects at the First United Methodist Church of Meeker along with helping in different ministries. Each year they took part in helping Meeker’s 4-H program and 4th of July program along with the Rio Blanco County Fair and Rodeo.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Linda and son, Colby. He is survived by sons Mike and his wife Teresa, Mitch and his wife Corrie, cousins Johnnye Gautier, Jean Bloodsworth and Billy Lawson of Hamilton, TX, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at White River Methodist Church on 809 Park Ave., Meeker, CO at 10:00 a.m., Burial to follow service at Highland Cemetery in Meeker. Those wishing to give can donate to the Rio Blanco County 4-H Youth Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1213. Meeker, CO.