Joe Lovato, “Papa Joe,” beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and son passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends January 19, 2017 at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.
Joe was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on April 11, 1960 and moved to Winnemucca in March of 1988. Since his youth, Joe enjoyed working on cars and carried that passion with him into adulthood. He began as a body man and eventually owned his own business, Kar Krafters Auto Body and Paint.
Joe loved drag racing, restoring cars, and collecting old memorabilia. He never turned down the opportunity to rummage through a junk yard and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, strangers included.
Joe found happiness most when surrounded by family, especially spending time with his grandson, Calvin, his “little buddy.”
Joe is survived by his parents, John and Rose Lovato; son, Travis Lovato; daughter, Jessica Justus (Lovato) and husband Garry Justus. Also known as, “the other son”, grandson, Calvin Justus; brother, Don Lovato (Susie Lovato); sister, Kathie Varela (Ernie Varela); and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service for family and friends was held January 21, 2017 in Winnemucca, Nevada.
