Jan. 21, 1944 ~ Feb. 13, 2021
On Saturday, Feb. 13, John Murray Stocks Jr., longtime Rangely, Colorado, resident, passed away in Denver, Colorado, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer and COVID at the age of 77.
John was born to John and Alice Stocks in Moab, Utah, on Jan. 21, 1944. John was the youngest of his five siblings. John and his wife Ruthann were married for nearly 40 years until her passing in October. John was a Combat Vietnam War Veteran who served in the Army Security Agency. John retired as a manager from Williams Pipeline and then Canyon Gas after more than 40 years of work.
John was a man of many talents and passions. His quick wit, intellect and curiosity were part of his unmatched charm. John had a passion for elk hunting and anything outdoors. John also collected and worked on rifles of all varieties, loved his ham radio, and had many other hobbies. John was known for his sense of humor, kindness, passion, and love of his animals.
John was preceded in death by his mother Alice, father John, his first wife Shirley and their two sons, his wife Ruthann, his brothers Bert and Duane, his sisters LaDean and Norma. He is survived by his stepdaughters Colleen Ford and Marilyn Reither; three grandchildren, Sean Nelson, Megan Nelson and Christian Holcomb; his brother Ray and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rangely, Colorado.
