Ewell E. Hunnicutt

Ewell E. Hunnicutt , 86, passed away Dec. 3, 2009 at his La Junta home. Ewell was born on Sept. 26, 1923 to Earl & Edna (Price) Hunnicutt, in a dugout on the ranch his family homesteaded and later spent the majority of his life.

He attended schools in the Kim area. In August 1943, prior to his senior year, Ewell decided he wanted to serve his country; so he enlisted in the United States Navy Special Forces Armed Guard Coxswain. While serving his country, Ewell traveled around the world including areas such as California, Hong Kong, Europe, and New York. Ewell received several medals during his service. He was honorably discharged March 11, 1946. He married Beulah Mae Krieger in Aztec, New Mexico on June 23, 1947. Ewell was drilling wells and ranching during this time. Drilling began to slow down and Ewell joined the Colorado State Patrol and the couple moved to Pueblo in February, 1953. In November Ewell was transferred to Trinidad, lived their until May 1955 when it was decided to move back to Kim. At that time he began drilling wells again and leased land from Bland Burson. Ewell ran mostly cattle and did some farming with help from his Dad.

During the nineteen years of a happy marriage, there was something missing. Ewell and Beulah had the pleasure of taking care of their nieces, Louise, Andrea, & Dalli and nephew Kenny; and continued through their life a very special relationship with them.

In May 1966, Ewell & Beulah decided to adopt a baby girl. On July 11, 1966 they picked up their four month old daughter.

On June 23, 1972 the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, 1997 their 50th and in 2007 their 60th.

In 1972 the couple bought Ewell’s dad’s ranch so they could be closer to their cattle and raise their daughter in the country.  From Aug. 1, 1972 to Aug. 28, 1974 Ewell was a Brand Inspector.  In 1974 they finally moved into their new home.

Ewell would tell stories about his life to those who asked and he had many stories tell. He loved playing his guitar; playing for many dances in his younger days and playing for visitors when they came to the ranch to see the family. Ewell loved teaching others how to play.

Ewell enjoyed spending time outdoors taking care of his cattle, showing people the canyon on the ranch, hunting, and his favorite past time fishing. Ewell, Beulah, Pam and granddaughter Alisha spent many summers traveling throughout Colorado to various mountain lakes fishing. One of his favorite places to fish was in Chama, New Mexico.

Ewell unofficially retired from ranching in September 2007, but remained on the family ranch until August 30, 2009. Due to declining health he and Beulah moved to La Junta and resided there until his death.
Survived by his wife of 62 years, Beulah Mae; daughter, Pamela; grandchildren, Alisha, Bo and Hannah; great-grandchildren, Trenton and Tayra; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009, at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Pastor Wayne Cathey of the First Southern Baptist Church officiting

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.



In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Arkansas Valley Hospice Assoc., P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 or to Kim Voulnteer Firedepartment, or to a charity of choice direct or through the funeral home.