Arvada
Mr. Bennie “Joe” Umpehenour, age 82 of Arvada, passed away on Sunday September 19, 2010 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 23, 1928 in Walnut, KS, Joe is the son of the late Benjamin and Jewell Umphenour. He was a 1947 graduate of South High School in Denver, CO. A veteran of the United States Army, Joe was drafted in 1950 during the Korean War and served in the 199th Combat Engineers until he was honorably discharged in 1952. On March 20, 1965, he married the former Beverly Johansen with whom he shared 45 wonderful years.
Cars were Joe’s passion throughout his life. As a young man growing up in South Denver, he became involved with automobiles, namely Chevrolets. In December 1952, he received a Wayne 12 Port conversion for an inline 6-cylinder engine that would set the course for him for many years. That same year, Joe co-founded the Chevruns of Denver Car Club. In 1961, Joe became involved in drag racing with an inline GMC 6-cylinder powered Chevy Coupe that he campaigned at the local tracks. He soon moved up to the dragster class and was involved with inline six dragsters with partner Mike Franckey, In 1967 they tied a national record. This undertaking was short lived with the untimely passing of his partner Franckey in 1968, which brought Joe’s drag racing career to an end. In 1965, Joe purchased a 1956 Chevy Nomad Wagon that would change his life. In 1968, he was involved with forming the Mile High Nomad Club as a charter member and remained an active member with his original ’56 until his passing. In 1970, Joe helped organize the National Nomad Club and was president from 1972 to 1988, working diligently to organize annual conventions and activities throughout the country. During this tenure, he co-authored two automotive books and two videos. Inliners International was formed in 1981, and Joe wrote a column for their bimonthly publication and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2000. In 1993, the “Joe’s Racing Reunion” was formed to host events for racers from every category, and this reunion continues today. Joe is also an honorary Lifetime Member of the Flatheaders of Denver. On March 19, 2008, Joe was inducted into the Colorado Motor Sports Hall of Fame, one of his proudest accomplishments.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Beverly; his special daughter Robin, his sisters Betty Stedman and Shirley Schakel, many nieces, nephews, and too many close friends to mention. He was predeceased by his sister, Martha Bennett.
A private committal service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery officiated by the Rev. Dr. Dena Williams on Thursday, September 23, 2010. The service will be celebrated with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army. Friends are respectfully invited to attend Joe’s funeral and memorial service which will commence on Friday, September 24 at 10:30am at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Carol Jeunnette. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Northeastern Junior College Auto Technology Club. Please make checks payable to the NJC Foundation, 100 College Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751.
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