Graveside services for Hershel Ray Carey, 67, of La Junta, were held Wednesday, January 22, at 11 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in La Junta. Carey passed away January 18, 2003.
Mr. Carey was born April 26, 1935, to Ralph and Estella (Handley) Carey in Woodward, Oklahoma. He married Clara Mae Riggs in Eads in 1954.
He was a construction worker with Martin Construction and helped build many prominent buildings in the area such as the municipal building, Safeway, the La Junta High School gym, Hogs Breath Saloon and numerous houses.
He later owned and operated his own business, Carey's Backhoe and Trucking, until his disability retirement.
Hershel enjoyed being involved with his family and sponsored a BMX race in Pueblo for his sons. He also enjoyed repairing lawnmowers and designing and building birdhouses with his grandson, Dustin.
He is survived by his wife, Clara; daughters Terry Brinson of Woodward, Oklahoma, Sandra Carey of La Junta; sons Russell (Laurie) Carey of La Junta, Devin (Stormie) Carey (grandson Raised) of Tempe, Arizona; brothers Hubert (Myrtle) Carey of Carlin, Nevada, Dean (Donna) Carey of Venango, Nebraska, Herman (Butch) Carey of Craig; sister Evelyn (Clifford) Morgan of Canon City; 9 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carey was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Carey; sisters Erma Louise Carey, Ellen Elizabeth (Carey) Harris and daughter Christy Jo Carey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hershel Carey Memorial Fund at Colorado East Bank, 310 East Third St. in La Junta.
Arrangements were by Grooms Crematory and Mortuary of Rocky Ford.