Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Joseph (Joe) Wilford Abercrombie Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Cedaredge, Colorado, on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Joe had been under the care of HopeWest Hospice since early January.

Joe was born on August 26, 1948, in Palmdale, California, to Clifford and Edna (Hamer) Abercrombie. In May of 1970, he married the love of his life, Carol Pool, and together they shared 55 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Their home was always full with their two children, Joseph Jr. and Angela, and their families.

Joe proudly served in the United States Army from October 1967 through October 1970, including two tours in Vietnam from May 1968 through December 1969 as a helicopter crew chief.

After his military service, Joe began a lifelong career in construction. Over the years, he built homes and erected steel buildings, becoming skilled in every facet of the trade—from framing, plumbing, and electrical work to the finishing touches. Joe spent many years erecting steel buildings alongside his son, Joe Jr., teaching him the trade. In 1998, they established JW Builders, LLC. The company is now operated by Joe Jr. and his wife Belle.

Joe taught his family the value of hard work and a strong work ethic. He firmly believed that if you showed up on time, you were already late. Joe took pride in everything he did, whether it was construction work, fixing cars, or mowing his lawn. He was an avid collector of keys, Zippo lighters, and watches.

Known as “Big Kid” and “Papa” to his grandchildren, Joe was also famously known as “Mr. Fix-It.” There truly wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. If a project required a special tool, he often made one himself rather than buying it. He loved sharing his knowledge with others, especially his granddaughters, Riley and Jo (Mackenzie).

Joe always had a snarky comment or quick comeback and was a smartass until the very end—something he insisted be included here. He loved making his family laugh, blush, and shake their heads, proudly earning the title of the family smartass.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Carol Abercrombie; his children, Joe (Belle) Abercrombie Jr. and Angela (Griff) Bamber; his grandchildren, Nolan Armstrong, Riley Abercrombie, Mackenzie Abercrombie, and Drake Coffield-Bamber; his siblings, Joyce Vernon, George (Linda) Duty, and Lois Johnson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Edna (Hamer) Abercrombie; and his siblings, Doris Miller, James Duty, and Charles Duty.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or HopeWest Hospice in Delta, Colorado.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Cedaredge Cemetery.