Joe Donald Hall

Joe Donald Hall, 93, of Golden, Colorado, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born November 15, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, Joe’s life was marked by steadfast devotion—to his family, to his faith, and to the many communities he served with quiet distinction.

Raised on what he would later describe as “the wrong side of the tracks,” Joe began working at a young age to help support his mother, father, and three siblings. Those who loved him first—his parents and siblings—preceded him in death, and he long held the hope of being reunited with them.

Joe’s path to higher education opened through the generosity of a “rich uncle,” who offered to pay for college on one condition: that Joe attend Texas A&M. Joe accepted, and in doing so became a proud Aggie and earned his degree in civil engineering—an achievement born of determination and hard work. Before leaving for A&M, Joe attended a birthday party where he met the beautiful brunette, Barbara Ellen McClure, who caught his eye and captured his heart. Their marriage in 1954 began a lifelong partnership defined by enduring love and shared purpose, lasting until Barbara’s death in 2012—58 wonderful years. Together they raised two children, Rick and Donna, who grew up under what they remember as an “umbrella of love,” and they remain grateful for the legacy they were given.

Joe is survived by his son Rick, his daughter Donna; Donna’s husband Bob; and his three granddaughters Bailey, Paige, and Andi, whom he absolutely adored. He was a constant presence in their lives—at soccer games, choir concerts, recitals, and every moment that mattered—offering encouragement with an ever-present smile. He treasured time with family, including many trips together and endless fun at the cabin in Fairplay. As his families lives grew, Joe welcomed their partners/husbands as his own: Bob, Don, Nick, Lance, and Billy. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren—Everett, Tatum and Palmer, Noah, and Avery—delighting in them deeply, even when remembering names became difficult.

Joe’s professional life was, by any measure, exceptional. Beginning in small Texas towns with the Bureau of Reclamation and moving from state to state, he rose to become Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau, the highest-ranking civilian position. Yet he carried his accomplishments with humility, never allowing professional stature to eclipse what mattered most to him—his family.

Not long after meeting Barbara, Joe gave his life to the Lord and devoted himself to the pursuit of understanding and living a God-centered life. He served faithfully through church and community involvement, volunteering and supporting many organizations. His care for others was evident in the smallest gestures—he was the kind of man who asked a waiter’s name before ordering water, a habit that could be gently amusing, but always came from sincere regard. He valued friendship, enjoyed many memorable trips with friends, and especially loved time on the golf course with his buddies. He also enjoyed tennis and swimming, and most of all, any activity that brought him close to the people he loved.

In later years, Joe moved into a 55+ community where his days remained full and purposeful. He was known for taking two exercise classes a day, singing in the choir, taking up painting, joining Friday night poker, attending Bible study, and writing many thoughtful articles for the community newsletter. With Rick living right down the hall, that season became especially meaningful, and the friends he made there became like family.

One of Joe’s proudest accomplishments was writing his book, “Take Joy in Growing Old Dagnabbit!” In it, he offered the kind of steady, practical wisdom he lived by: to take life one day at a time, to cherish each day, and to do all one can to make it a good one— “dagnabbit.” He wrote, too, of the calling to joy, believing that God’s plan is for people to be joyful, and that living with that purpose makes one a “JOY SPREADER.”

Joe Donald Hall will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection—as a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a faithful servant of God, a loyal friend, and a man whose life quietly encouraged others to meet each day with gratitude and joy. He will be greatly missed—dagnabbit.

There will be no formal service per Joe’s request. He said “my 90th surprise party was my celebration of life…and I was there to see everyone I love and enjoy it!” We will have a small family service for him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s name to

Dry Bones Denver: https://drybonesdenver.org/

Or to Wilderness on Wheels: https://www.wildernessonwheels.org/