John William Hargrove Jr.

Johnny Hargrove went to the Trading Post in the Sky on April 21st, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Rico, Colorado on July 12, 1935, to John William Hargrove Sr & Minnie Boyd Hargrove.

His childhood years were mostly in Rico, where he loved to explore the mines and mountains. He was later joined in life by his brother Jim, in 1945 & his sister, Judy in 1953. The family moved to California when the war started. John & Minnie worked in the airplane factories. They returned to Colorado where Johnny finished his education. He had many jobs and gained many great experiences.

He bought Lakeside Lanes in Cortez in 1976, where he met the love of his life, Molly Dot. That union brought together their 4 children, Mindy J. Rosenbaugh, JB Hargrove, Carol Applegate and Joey Applegate. They sold the bowling alley in 1982 and bought the local Handy Mart, which was family owned and operated until 1988. This gave Johnny the opportunity to start working his life calling by opening Little Bear Trading Post & Pawn Shop until he retired in March of 2019. He was able to foster a deep connection with the local Native community, gaining lifelong friendships, which he cherished until the day he died.

Johnny loved camping, golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, 4 wheeling, going to Lake Powell, looking for arrowheads, and so much more. He loved sharing it with his family and friends, grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Molly Dot, daughter Mindy J. Rosenbaugh (Jim), his son JB Hargrove (Sherma), daughter Carol Applegate and son Joey Applegate. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Minnie, his brother Jim, his sister Judy, granddaughter Randi Reed.

Services are planned at Ertel’s for Saturday, April 26th at 11am.