Joel E Mays, 77, 50 year resident of Fort Morgan passed away peacefully early Sunday November 1, 2009 at the Select Hospital in Colorado Springs. Joel was born July 20, 1932 in Fort Worth, Texas to Sterling and Viola Mays. On September 22, 1961 Joel married the love of his life Darlene Ruppel in Fort Morgan. Prior to retirement Joel worked as a machinist with Western Sugar Company. He was a long standing member of The Elks Lodge #1143 with a firm belief in giving back to the community. Joel's favorite hobby was playing golf. To his credit, he sunk his first hole-in-one at age 70. Other hobbies included traveling when he could drive his car, fishing and bird hunting and also enjoyed watching baseball, playing cards and board games. He will be missed and remembered by those who knew him as a very honest, caring, quiet, and enormously gentle man; a loyal friend, devoted husband and loving father. Survivors include his children Pamella Trondson (Colorado Springs, CO) Gaylord Mays (Stone Ridge, VA.) and J.D. Mays (Colorado Springs, CO.), one brother Ed Mays (Moreno Valley, CA.), two sisters Eva Kelley (Canõn City, CO.), and Aretes Kramer (Banning, CA.), eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both parents Sterling and Viola Mays, and his loving wife Darlene who passed away November 4, 2008. A memorial service of remembrance will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 10:30 at the Heer & Dahl Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan where they will be concluded. A private inurnment will take place at the Serenity Falls Columbarium. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the BPOE's Lardon Hall in care of Heer & Dahl Mortuary.