Phillip "Phil" George Joss

Phillip George Joss

Phillip George Joss, 70, went to be with the Lord June 5, 2008 at the Casper Medical Center with his family by his side. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thurs., June 12, 2008, at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Auditorium, officiated by Pastor Chan Bayne of Wheatland, Wyo.

He was born Oct. 28, 1937 in Lusk to George and Leola Joss. At the age of six, Phil's mother passed away and he spent time with his dad, special friends Jim and Della McAllister, and his uncle and aunt, Art and Peg Joss. At the age of 16 Phil's dad passed away. He then made his home with Art and Peg. He attended school in Manville and graduated from High School in Douglas in 1955. He attended one year of college at Fort Collins, Colo. and then returned to the Joss Ranch. During high school and college Phil rode barebacks and bulls while rodeoing with his good buddies Kenny Ballard and Bruce Quintard.

Phil was a true cowboy. When he was four years old his grandfather, Sam Joss, put him on behind his saddle and they rode for hours. From then on he spent a great part of his life on a saddle horse. He learned at an early age how to raise good cattle and good horses and he devoted his life to ranching. He and Barbara Quintard were married on Feb. 7, 1959 in Harrison, Neb. They made their home at the Hitchew Ranch north of Keeline, where their two daughters where born. In 1963 they moved to the 20 Mile Ranch west of Lance Creek, where their son was born. They remained at 20 Mile until the late 80's, when they made their home in Lusk.

After moving to Lusk, Phil spent many years working in the oil field as a Pumper on the Joss Ranch. He was then employed by the Town of Lusk from 2001 to 2007, when ill health forced him to retire. Phil was one of the original founders and members of the Soil Conservation District and served on the board for a number of years, served on the School Board, was an active member of the Lance Creek and Manville Alliance Churches, a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was founder and president of Project Hope.

He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle and aunt, his son Marty, and granddaughters Jessica James and Leslie Jergenson. Phil will be greatly missed by his wife, Barb Joss, two daughters Judy Joss, and Kaleen and husband Jeff White; grandchildren: Brittani Joss, Ashley and husband Aaron Miller, Kristen and Brooke Schrader, Joshua and Mathew James, Kacey and wife Bobbie Jo Gibbs, Kyle and wife Amber Joss, Keeley and Kami Joss, Cody and Laramie Lawrence; great-grandchildren: Martin and Jayce Joss, Eli Blythe, and Andrew Schrader; sisters: Sandra and husband Warren Thompson and Jean and husband Henry Krejci; nieces and nephews: Shawn and wife Marlissa Hall, Trey Beghtol and Rhonda and husband Mark Mehling; cousins: Artie and wife Frieda Joss and Shelley and husband Rebel Coffey.

Memorial Contributions can be sent to the Niobrara Senior Center in Lusk, Wyo. Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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