Steve David Guyton

November 16, 1952 - November 17, 2009

Steve Guyton November 16, 1952-November 17, 2009---adored brother, son and friend died at home with hospice care, surrounded by his sister and friends early the day after his 57th birthday. Much beloved son, brother and friend: Steve was the last child of Elizabeth Guyton Girch and William Guyton. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, 3 older brothers and step-father. He is survived by his sister Johanne Guyton who works for Disability Rights New Mexico, New Mexico's Protection and Advocacy System, a legal rights center. Steve was a well known, friendly and outgoing individual who loved life and most people he met. He was a die-hard fan of the Denver Broncos and loved Star Wars and Star Trek, but above all loved music and dancing. He was a huge sports fan and a much medaled Special Olympian, particularly in swimming; he participated in the 1985 International Special Olympics; he also loved to bowl. Born in Rocky Ford he lived there, Wisconsin and NM and finally in La Junta. He loved working at the Pizza Hut in Rocky Ford for over 10 years. In later years he had his own house in La Junta where he lived with his best friend and care taker Paula Simon. Several recent health issues related to his Down Syndrome emerged during the last 6 years of his life after his mother's death. He died after an almost 3 week hospitalization due to pneumonia and aspiration. Services will be held Friday, November 20, 2009` 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow at our Lady of Guadalupe Church in La Junta where Steve had been a choir member. Special thanks to his care takers Paula, her son Glyn, Michelle and Isabel. Thanks to Pioneer HHC services for care and therapy this summer after he broke his hip. Special thanks to the La Junta Medical Center and medical community. His family is especially grateful to Cheryl Lindner and the Arkansas Valley Hospice for their particular compassion and wonderful care and organization during the last month of Steve's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Colorado Bank and Trust in Steve's name for a fund to assist others with developmental disabilities who have unmet needs. He brought love, joy and laughter to all he met. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.