Longtime La Jara resident Monte Brady Cornum, 88, died December 28, 2016 at his home in La Jara.

Monte was born in Manassa, Colorado the proud son of Heber Dorrel Cornum and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Pearl Reed on January 6, 1928. He was raised in Sanford, Colorado.

He married his wife of more than 60 years, Ruth Elaine Hutchins in La Jara, Colorado on April 15, 1949. Their marriage was sealed for all time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 22, 1951.

Monte served in the United States Army and learned to weld while serving in Japan, just following World War II. Upon his return home, he taught Welding for Adams State College in Antonito. He began working as a Mechanic and Fabricator and started Monte’s Service in Lara, owning and operating his shop for 58 years. Monte had a mechanical mind and could build and fix almost anything. He also was a pilot and enjoyed flying. In his later years, Monte could be found working on genealogy and extraction in his spare time. He was blessed with excellent health in his life and continued to live alone and take care of himself until his passing.

He is survived by his children Dawn Carbutt of Antonito, Crystal “Cris” (David) Baker of La Jara, Kelly (Carol) Cornum of La Jara, and Paul (Michelle) Cornum of La Jara; his brothers and sisters Frank Cornum of Los Angeles, CA, Judy Parrish of Sanford and Kurt Cornum of Palisade, CO; his sister-in-law Helen; as well as 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren,two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Monte is preceded in death by his parents Dorrel and Lizzie, his wife Ruth, his daughter Lisa Cornum, brothers and sisters Duwayne Cornum, Rex Cornum, Gwendolyn Emerson, Bonnie Coombs, Shirley Fugate. as well as two grand children, Amanda Cornum and Tyson Cornum and one great-grandson, Sam Carbutt

Visitation will be held Monday, January 2, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. till noon at Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Sanford Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences, remarks and tributes may be made for Monte’s family at www.RogersFunerals.com

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