Joe Walter Colclazier, a lifetime resident and business owner in Durant, Okla., entered the doors of heaven on June 7, 2024, at the age of 91, after a long illness. He was born on May 7, 1934 to Thelma and Roy Colclazier in Oklahoma City. He married Betty Lou Burns, his wife of 53 years, on April 30, 1971 in Denison, Texas.
Joe was a vocal Christian and a member of Armstrong Baptist Church, where he took pleasure in the fellowship and singing in the choir. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune at home with his wife, spending time with his family, fishing, and elk hunting, He became an admirer of John Wayne films after meeting the actor while serving in the Marines. He earned his pilot license as a young man and enjoyed flying every opportunity he got. Joe could repair anything. His family never doubted his ability to fix whatever came up or teach someone how to fix it themselves, and he was always willing to help.
After an honorable discharge from the United States Marines in 1956, he worked for Bell Telephone Company before working with his father in the insurance business. In 1972, Joe continued his insurance career when he and his wife purchased the family business. He covered Bryan County for 50 years until his retirement, writing insurance policies and taking property photos. He loved to talk, so that often took more time than it probably should have. When you asked for directions in the most remote areas of the county, he could give you directions and tell you who lived there.
Joe was most definitely a proud Marine and patriot. He never left the house without reaching for his Marine cap. Throughout his health struggles over the past two years, oftentimes the doctors gave him little hope, but he would say, “I’m a Marine and don’t give up.” While his spirit remained unbroken, Joe’s body succumbed to illness at home in the comfort of his family’s embrace.
Upon passing through those golden gates, he was met by his Lord and many loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Roy Colclazier; his brother, James Colclazier; his sons, Roger Burns and Ronnie Michael; his grandson, Stacy Burns and a special brother-in-law, B.J. Moore, his elk hunting buddy. 
He is survived by his wife, Betty Colclazier; daughter, Loira Johnson, and spouse Brian of Berthoud, Colo.; son, Roy Colclazier of Denver, Colo.; daughter, Jennifer Byrnes, and spouse Greg of Broomfield, Colo.; stepdaughter, Carolyn Thompson of Durant, Okla.; stepson, Robert Burns, and spouse Sherry of Sherman, Texas.
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Chelsea Johnson-Mabry of Frederick, Colo., Ashley Johnson-Walsh of Berthoud, Colo., Courtney Johnson-Houim of Windsor, Colo., Skylar Colclazier of Broomfield, Colo., Madison Byrnes of Broomfield, Colo., Crystal Mackey of Durant, Okla., David Drake of Lubbock, Texas, Holly Burkhalter of Calera, Okla., Amy Wiskus of Durant, Okla., Leah Burns of Durant, Okla., Robby Thompson of Pottsboro, Texas, and Jeff Burns of Dallas, Texas.
He was also blessed with and will be missed by his 19 great grandchildren and his many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Armstrong Baptist Church in Armstrong, Okla., with Bro. Monty Wood officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Burns, Allen Wheeler, Brian Johnson, Gene Jackson, Huel Brumley, and Robert Baily.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090