Joseph Zelph Massey, of Farmington, N.M., died on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in Farmington. He was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Dry Fork, Utah, into a large LDS family, the son of Lewis Fry Donelly "Van" Massey and Maybell Young Glanville Thacker.

Joseph met his wife of 49 years, Stella Jo Thompson, while he was serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, guarding prisoners of war in Hereford, Texas. He joined the Army in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Dec. 1942, and made Private 1st Class, M.P. and paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. He served in the European theater in the 326th Glider Infantry Regiment.

Joseph and Stella Jo were married, Nov. 13, 1942, while Joseph was in the Army. After his tour of duty, he started employment of 22 years with Schlumberger Well Service in Abilene, Texas,

In 1949, he moved to Farmington with the company and his family.

In 1957, he started Massey Vacuum Truck Service. It grew to Oil & Gas Service Company and operated from 1969 to 1999.

He incorporated with his son, Robert, and son-in-law, Mark Roach in 1971. In 1971, the company had trucking contracts with several businesses servicing five states.

He continued working with his son Robert in firewood sales.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jo; a daughter, Donna Kay Roach, parents, 10 brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his son, Robert; son-in-law, Mark Roach; grandsons, Stephan, Brandon, Clinton and Chadwick; granddaughter, Jennifer; great-grandchildren Stephanie, Christian, Conner, Paulina, Ethan, Wyatt, Michael, and Witten. He is also survived by brothers, Norman and Don; and sister, Wanda.

He turned out to be a very good farmer.

Zelph's wishes were to be cremated. There will be no service at this time. A private memorial service to honor him will take place at a later date.

Vernal Express
January 2012