Coryell’s colorful story began in Carbondale, Colo., where he was born the first of 10 children.
He went to work for Strang Ranch right out of Carbondale High School. The Strang Ranch relocated from Carbondale to Meeker in 1973; Ed followed and has called Meeker home ever since.
Coryell married his wife, Bonnie, in 1967. Together they raised five children.
Today, the Coryells and their children have a family-owned and operated cattle and horse ranch.
Ed’s love of family is strongly behind his 100-watt smile.
“We have 13 grandkids, and that’s No. 1,” Ed said.
In addition to raising their own brood, the Coryells have taken in more than 40 foster children over the years. Occasionally, they will get a note or letter from a kid they took in who is now grown.
Coryell says it is always nice to hear they are doing well.
After 46 years officiating local ball games, Coryell is now busy being a spectator at his grandchildren’s sporting matches and various activities. He said he stays busy attending all 13 of his grandchildren’s events, whether it’s basketball games or 4-H shows.
“We try to hit every event the grandkids do,” he said.
Over the years, Coryell has also put his community service talents to good use by sharing a commitment to enhance the community and the well-being of the people in it. He has also served on the Water Conservation Board and the Meeker School Board, and he served one term as a Rio Blanco County Commissioner in the 1980s.
The Coryells are both active in the Rio Blanco County Fair. Bonnie has more than 30 years working with the 4-H horse department, and Ed is president of the Rio Blanco County Fair Board.
While the fair already has a large quantity of livestock entries, Ed says he is hoping to grow the indoor exhibits over the next few years.
Coryell is also a retired brand inspector for the State of Colorado. For more than 35 years, he verified ownership of livestock including cattle, horses, mules, domestic elk and fowl.
He was even honored on Feb. 7 by the Rio Blanco Stockgrowers Association for his many years of service as a brand inspector.
He said he inspected approximately 40,000 head of livestock annually.
“It was very interesting,” Ed said. “I really enjoyed it.”
Coryell says the people are his favorite thing about this community.
