In Loving Memory
Joe Bob Leake
Born Oct. 6, 1944
Died Jan. 19, 2025, at the age of 80
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Joe Bob lived in Pagosa Springs for 49 years.
He’s survived by the love of his life, Donna Leake, who he was married to for 61 years; his younger brother, David Leake; his three daughters, Shonda Martinez, Dawn Maez and Nicole Dunham; their spouses; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; various cousins; and countless friends. He was known as Papa to his grandchildren, and his family was his entire well-being, his love and his life.
Pagosa Springs was very special to Joe Bob, and he always felt so blessed and loved by all the friends that he made here. He’ll always be remembered for his love of the uniqueness in people and the joy he found through visiting with them. He never met a stranger he couldn’t befriend and strike up a conversation with.
A skilled carpenter, Joe Bob built many of the first log cabins and homes in the area back in the 1970s. He was an avid cook, participating in chuckwagon events and competitions for 13 years. Later, he went on to drive school buses for Archuleta School District for another 13 years.
Papa was a regular mountain man and a skilled outdoorsman. He derived much joy from recreating in the mountains and playing in nature. A skilled hunter, Joe Bob could often be found hunting with the bows and arrows he crafted himself, or navigating the backcountry with his two mules.
We have no doubt that he’s in a better place, enjoying the mountains in his changed and unhurt form, forever in the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ.
No services are planned.