Jose Wayne Montaño

Joe was born on October 12, 1959 in Montrose, CO to Joe and Lonnie Montaño. He grew up in Montrose, working for his dad in his rock and logging business. He moved to Grand Junction in 1977 to be closer to his then girlfriend, Eileen Martinez.

He went on to marry her, his high school sweetheart, on May 17, 1980 in Grand Junction and they were about to celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary. They have two beautiful daughters, Amy Nichole and Rebecca Ann. Even though they’re adults now, he still taught them how to cook, especially red and green chili. He loved them so, so much, and was very proud of both of them.

Joe became a child of God in 1986, and he served Him for the rest of his life! He loved to tell others about his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a soul winner, and is now seeing just how many people he impacted.

He worked several jobs throughout his lifetime including construction, delivery driver for Pepsi Cola, Central Distributing Co. and Schwan’s Home Delivery. He enjoyed driving semi truck & tractors; and was very good at it, pulling doubles and triples. He could back- in to the tightest spots ever! He finally retired from FedEx Freight in 2020 after 25 plus years of hard work.

Joe loved his little farm that he and Eileen shared for the last 20 years in Orchard Mesa, Colorado. He loved working on his big John Deere tractor around his property. Joe loved all the horses he trained; especially his favorites, Sterling & Rosey. He & Sterling competed in Endurance rides of 25, 50 and 75 miles. He enjoyed raising steers, and having chickens around, he said the chickens were “amusing”. Joe enjoyed working his vegetable garden; every year he grew garlic, potatoes, chili, and tomatoes. He and Eileen enjoyed making salsa and canning their home grown tomatoes. He was an awesome cook, especially good at making red and green chili, just ask anyone! Joe also loved to smoke meat on his smoker, it was the best ever. Joe loved his chainsaw, and couldn’t resist trimming and cutting down trees! He also loved his guns. He had several that he never even shot, but I guess that’s a man thing.

But, more than anything, Joe loved his family. His grandkids meant everything to him, and he couldn’t wait for them to visit, or him to visit them.

Joe’s father Joe Montano Sr. and mother Lonnie Avalos, and grandparents preceded him in death.

Those he left behind are his wife, Phyllis Eileen (Martinez) of Grand Junction, CO. His daughters Nichole (Matt) Bintz of Ponca City, OK, Rebecca Montano of Seattle, WA. His sweet, sweet grandkids Ayriana Ward, Roman Bintz, Angelo Rowin, Malachi Rowin and Isabella Montano. Brother Larry (Lorrie) Avalos, sisters Carol (Ventura) Tanori, Sandra (Allen) McClinton and Jackie Vasquez.

Joe was always giving advice and encouragement to all his nephews and nieces, whom he loved so much, along with the rest of the extended family. He also loved his dear friend, George, very much.

A Viewing/Visitation will be on Tuesday December 7th from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505

A Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday December 8th at 11:00am at The Rock Church, 2170 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507, followed by a graveside service at Orchard Mesa Cemetery, 2620 Legacy Way, Grand Junction, CO 81503

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Montano family.