Donnie L. Broce

Donnie L. Broce, 83, of La Junta passed away on January 17, 2018 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Nursing Care Center in La Junta. He was born to George Washington & Nola (Blakney) Broce in La Junta, Colorado.

He spent his childhood on his parent’s ranch, 35 miles south of La Junta. Donnie attended 8 years of grade school at Riverside School (Later known as Adobe School). This was a one room school house. He attended 4 years of High School at Kim, then one year at Otero Jr College. At this time he became old enough to register for the draft, and sure enough he got drafted. He spent 2 years serving as a communication tech in the U. S. Army. During this time he met his wife and together they started a family.

Fresh out of the Army, he got a job at a service station. This lasted until he got an opportunity to go to work for Martin Andrew's heating. Here he met and worked with Miles Seat. At this job they learned the heating and air conditioning installation and how they operated. Some years later the two decided to go into a partnership and formed a new business in La Junta, Hi-Lo Systems. Several years later, Miles had to step out because of health. Donnie continued the business and quit installations, but sold equipment to
contractors of the area. He concentrated in building tin products for his customers. As far as his customers were concerned, he has become a "Master Tinner". You describe what you wanted in tin work and he would fabricate it just the way you wanted it.

His typical week day started out about 8:15 a.m., he could be found at the Copper Kitchen for breakfast, then off to the workshop until 12:00 p.m., then back to the Copper Kitchen for lunch. Back to the shop to open at 1:00 p.m. until about 5:00 p.m. Thanks to all the Copper Kitchen crew and friends for their fellowship.

In 2017 Donnie's health started to go down-hill. In the last weeks he was not able to work at the shop full- time, but thanks to Troy Ketchum for his help to keep the business going. Troy had worked with Donnie in previous years.

Then comes the big "C" and time was running out. On January 17, 2018 God decided he needed Donnie to run his tin shop in heaven.

He is survived by his three children; sister, Betty Jo (Jim) Stone; brother, Bud (Rose) Broce; sister-in-law, M.E. Broce; four step-children, Lance, Joyce, Stella, and Alan; several grandchildren & step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lee Broce; brothers, Charles & Ralph Broce; nephew, Bill Broce.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 201 at 1:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Maynard Bowen of the Prairie Bible Chapel officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.