Joel Howard White

Joel White, 62, of Pine, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness. He leaves behind a loving family and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

Joel was born in WaKeeney, Kansas, and grew up in El Paso, Texas. From an early age, he possessed the curiosity, determination, and ingenuity that would define his life. If something caught his interest, he wanted to understand how it worked and before long, he could usually fix it, improve it, or build one himself.

Joel graduated from Texas State Technical College and built a varied career that reflected his many talents, working as a Certified Welding Inspector, co-managing Howard White Carpets with his father, building homes, running a remodeling business, and ultimately joining the Colorado Department of Transportation, where he served as LTC Opts in Fairplay. More than any job title, Joel was a true craftsman and jack of all trades. He loved working with his hands and taking on new challenges, and he brought that same enthusiasm to hunting, fishing, camping, riding bulls, pole vaulting, gymnastics, gold panning, scuba diving, coaching lacrosse, golfing, and countless outdoor adventures. Go Cowboys!!!

Joel’s greatest joy was his family. His love story with his wife, Teresa, began when her cousins introduced them as teenagers. What began as “puppy love” grew into a 37-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendship. Together, they shared countless travels and a deep love of the outdoors.

Joel and Teresa were blessed with a daughter, Nicole, her husband Jordan Foster, and two beloved granddaughters, Evie and June. Joel took enormous pride in being a grandfather. His woodworking became especially meaningful when he began making toys and jewelry boxes for his granddaughters.

But perhaps Joel’s greatest gift was the way he made people feel. He never met a stranger. He was the life of the party, a gifted storyteller, and a practical joker who could make people laugh until their stomachs hurt. He greeted friends and family with a smile and made each person feel genuinely valued. Once you were Joel’s friend, you were his friend for life.

Joel’s laughter, stories, curiosity, generosity, and zest for life made the world around him brighter and more fun. He leaves behind a lifetime of things he built, adventures he shared, friendships he treasured, stories that will be told for years, and countless people whose lives are better because he was part of them.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa White; daughter Nicole Foster (Jordan); granddaughters Evie and June Foster; siblings Mauri Whitehurst (Bo), Julie Duncan (Jay), Regina Rotolante, and Tony Rotolante; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Howard White (Dee), and his mother, Susan Calabro (Eugene R. Calabro, Sr.).

The world will never be quite as much fun without Joel in it.