Margarito Joe Nunez, 90, of Ft. Morgan, passed away on August 20, 2023 after a battle with terminal cancer.  Margarito "Sam", was born in Ft. Morgan on June 10, 1933, to Donicio and Juana (Espinosa) Nunez.  He graduated from Ft. Morgan High School in 1952.  After graduation, he served in the US Army during the Korean War as a highly skilled Radio Operator.  He received the National Defense Service Medal/Army of Occupation Medal, during this time, and was Honorably Discharged September 1,1955.

He was joined in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Anna Alcala, April 26, 1958, in Sterling, CO, and they were blessed with four children, Donald Nunez, Cindy Bikab, Christina Bostron, and Gloria Adair.  They celebrated their 65th Anniversary in April, and their entire lives together were spent in Ft. Morgan, CO.

He spent 17 years with Sigman Meat Company in Brush, before working with Centennial Mental Health as the Maintenance Director after retirement, he worked part time in maintenance with the Hampton Inn.

During his lifetime he enjoyed discovering his favorite fishing spots with his family in the Colorado Mountains, Estes Park, Red Feather Lakes, Brainard Lake, and Pinewood Reservoir, along with North Sterling Reservoir.  He had a passion for organic gardening, along with his wife, sharing the fruits of their labor with everyone.  He put his heart and soul into every inch of soil he touched and passed his planting traditions from generation to generation.  As an avid sportsman, he enjoyed supporting the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies, season after season.

Sam embraced every minute of his last week of life at home, watching football and visiting his garden while enjoying all the vegetables he possibly could eat, and surrounded by family and friends.

Sam is survived by the love of his life, Anna, his pride and joy, nine Grandchildren; and 14 Great-grandchildren, along with his children, Cindy Bikab, Christina Bostron, (Scott), and Gloria Adair, (Jack); and brothers, John Contreraz and Cruz Contreraz.

He is preceded in death by his son, Donald Nunez; parents, Donicio and Juana Nunez; his sister, Evelyn Lopez; brothers, Lawrence Nunez, Tony Nunez, Melecio Contreraz Jr.; and step-father, Melecio Contreraz.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 27, from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan with Recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, August 28, 10:30am, at Saint Helena's Catholic Church, 917 W 7th Ave. Ft. Morgan, CO. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.