In Loving Memory of Joe Dennis

Joe Dennis, 95, of Raton passed away February 15, 2016.

He was born December 1, 1920 in Purcell, Oklahoma, the sixth of seven children to Dan and Mary Olive Deville Dennis.

In 1942, He married Maxine Cockriel in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. They moved to Raton where they raised three daughters. He built a successful meat processing business, Joe’s Packing Company, well known in the area for its Maxwell Farms sausage. He retired in 1990.

Joe was a musician who in the 50’s had his own band, “Joe Dennis & his Rocky Mountain Playboys”. Later he played bass for the popular “Nite Riders Band”. The Dennis family tradition of playing music continues today.

Joes’ greatest pleasure in life was the family jam sessions. He loved horse racing and had some success as a thoroughbred owner. Joe liked bird hunting and was an avid fisherman who enjoyed teaching his daughters, grand kids & great grand kids how to catch trout at Lake Maloya. He also taught them the favorite family card game, PITCH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife & granddaughter, Brandi.
He is survived by his dearest friend and caregiver, Shirley Macaron of Raton; his daughters, Linda Dunlap (Bob) of Williamsburg, NM; Donna Neish (Bill) of Estancia, NM; Peggy Guest of Stratford, TX; his “like a daughter” Elba Sundt (Chuck) of Silver City, NM. Grandchildren: Lynette, Cameron, Tery, Tanna, Jody, Lori, Will. Great- grandchildren: Mackenzie, Marlie, Bella, Brandon, Karly, Sean, Sophia, Cinque, Connor, Anabelle. As well as many nieces & nephews. Joe loved his family & friends, He will truly be missed.

Visitation