Joseph Keith LaCount, 71, passed away on February 15, 2025 at his home in Lovington, NM with his family by his side.

Joseph was born April 9, 1953 in Petoskey, Michigan to Vernon and Patricia (Vivant) LaCount. He graduated from Harbor Springs High School in 1971. Joe went on to receive a certificate from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School. He was able to pursue his dream of being a cowboy and journeyed out West, beginning at the Rawah Guest Ranch where he was a wrangler for several years. He went on to cowboy for various outfits in the North Park, Colorado Valley area and the Laramie, Wyoming Valley. Those ranches dearest to him were the Boswell and the Rawah ranches. Joe received the "Top Hand" award in Albany County, Wyoming for his dedication to being a cowboy and his work on the Boswell Ranch.

Joe loved horses, ranching and had a passion for the western way of life. He shared that love with his family and friends. You could always find him reading a western novel and there was a new one on the table just waiting to be read. In the most recent years, Joe lived in New Mexico and enjoyed his horses, his job at the New Mexico Junior College and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed getting to "go back up north" to visit his grandson and enjoy time on the ranch.

Joseph is survived by his sons, Zach (Shanna) LaCount of Lovington, NM, and Wade (Alexis) LaCount of Laramie, WY, and grandchildren Sloan, Haize, and Corbin. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia LaCount of Harbor Springs, MI, and siblings, Jim LaCount, Julie Green, Jean Simmons, Jerri LaCount, Janet LaCount, and Joan LaCount. He was preceded in death by his father Vernon LaCount.

Joe has requested his ashes be spread by his family at several of his cherished spots in Wyoming.