Joe Allen Sultemeier

(Joe) Allen Sultemeier, age 67, of Capitan, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on Friday, September 3, 2021. Allen was born May 12, 1954 in San Angelo, Texas to Ernest and Allene Sultemeier. Allen grew up in Corona, New Mexico on the Sultemeier family ranch. Allen's adult life was dedicated to being a devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend to ALL. Allen never met a stranger and when strangers met him for the first time, they felt as if they had known him a lifetime. Allen lived with a smile on his face and a huge place in his heart for all he encountered. A man of great fortitude and high moral character, his smile and laugh were extremely contagious and could change the cloudiest days into brightness. His hugs were sincere and shared often, his kind heart and willingness to help anyone, with anything, at any time were some of his greatest attributes. A 1972 graduate of Corona High School, he went on to study and become a diesel mechanic from Eastern New Mexico State University at Roswell before returning to the family ranch. In 1987, Allen married the love of his life, Kristin McCaw. Allen and Kristin had three wonderful sons together, Dustin, Keith and Wade. In 1996, Allen and Kristin moved the family to Capitan for a new career in the propane field. He began driving activity busses for Capitan Schools, and eventually Carrizozo Schools when his two younger sons were in attendance there. This became a passion for him and kept him happy until his final days. And although he was a Corona Cardinal for life, he was very proud to wear his orange and black and root for his Tiger family. Most recently, Allen was carrying on this dream of working with kids, as the Capitan Municipal Schools Transportation Director and main Activity Bus Driver. He took so much joy and pleasure from driving on football, volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, choir, band, knowledge bowl, FFA trips, and all field trips for all grades. These trips were so important to Allen because the staff, but especially the students, meant so much to him. He always took the time to get to know the students and was their biggest fan and cheerleader in all their activities. He served as a second dad, uncle, grandfather and best friend to more students than we can count. They loved him, his sweet nature, caring smile and encouraging words with a love so deep it is irreplaceable. Allen loved fishing trips with his family. He loved visiting with people, meeting new friends and making the connection of who knew who and who was related. Allen loved raising sheep and goats and getting them into the hands of children who needed a start or a helping hand in 4-H or FFA projects. For more than 30 years he served on the Lincoln County Fair board and was involved in the County Fair and the famous Smokey Bear Stampede Rodeo held in Capitan on the 4th of July weekend every year. Allen worked hard year round to ensure the success of both events. He could be found at all hours of the day and night on the tractor preparing the arena, cleaning the building and digging and repairing water lines. He never complained of these hard and long hours because it was all for the kids, and the kids of Lincoln County were all his. If you asked Allen his greatest life accomplishment he would tell you all about his family. Kristen, Dustin, Keith and Wade were his everything. Allen is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Allene Sultemeier, sister Lois Ann Mullins, and son Dustin. He is survived by his wife Kristin, sons Keith of Encino and Wade of Fort Sumner, brother Mark Sultemeier and wife Barbara of Corona, brother-in-law Bunk Mullins and wife Laurie of La Mesa, brother-in-law Jack McCaw and wife Susanne of Alto, Sister-in-law Becky Watterson of Tuscan, AZ and many close cousins, nieces, nephews, whom he bragged about often as he was so very proud of them all. As well as numerous dear friends who meant the world to Allen. Services to honor Allen will be held in the rodeo arena at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Capitan, New Mexico at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 25, 2021 followed by graveside services at 2:00 pm, at the cemetery in Corona, New Mexico.