Bent County Obituary Search
Bent County death records are available through the Otero County Health Department or the Colorado Department of Public Health. The Bent County Clerk and Recorder office can assist with locating vital records resources. Residents of this southeastern Colorado county can access obituary and death certificate information through regional health services or state offices. Historical records may require consulting state archives.
Bent County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Bent County Clerk and Recorder office provides information about vital records access. Their office is at 725 Bent Avenue, Las Animas, CO 81054. You can contact them at 719-456-2009. They maintain local records and can direct you to death certificate services.
For death certificates, Bent County residents typically use the Otero County Health Department. This neighboring county provides vital records services for the region. Contact Otero County for current procedures and office hours.
You may also order directly from the Colorado Department of Public Health. State offices handle requests for all Colorado counties. This option works well for those who cannot travel to a regional office.
Valid photo identification is required for all death certificate requests. You must also prove your relationship to the deceased. Acceptable documents include birth certificates and marriage licenses.
Colorado State Vital Records for Bent County
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all death records for Bent County. Their Denver office processes mail, online, and phone requests. Call 303-692-2200 for information.
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, death certificates are treated as confidential. Access is restricted to qualified applicants. You must have a direct and tangible interest in the record.
Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and certain authorized agencies. Spouses, parents, children, and siblings may request copies with proper documentation.
Current fees are $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These rates became effective January 1, 2026. Credit card payments may incur convenience fees.
Finding Bent County Obituaries
Local newspapers in Las Animas and La Junta cover Bent County deaths and memorials. The La Junta Tribune-Democrat and other regional papers publish obituaries. Check their online archives for recent notices.
The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free access to historical papers. Search for Bent County obituaries from publications spanning over 150 years. This resource is valuable for genealogical research.
Find A Grave documents cemeteries in Bent County. This free database includes burial locations and gravestone photos. Community members contribute memorial pages with biographical information.
The Colorado State Archives holds death records from before 1908. For Bent County deaths before 1975, contact the state vital records office or archives.
Eligibility for Bent County Death Records
Bent County follows Colorado state law regarding death record access. C.R.S. § 25-2-118 outlines who may obtain certified copies. Immediate family members have priority.
You may request a death certificate if you are the spouse, parent, adult child, or sibling of the deceased. You must provide documentation proving your relationship. Legal representatives need court orders.
Insurance companies and government agencies may access records for official purposes. Funeral homes listed on the certificate can obtain copies. Genealogical researchers may get records over 25 years old marked for research use only.
Note: Physical photo ID is required when requesting Bent County death certificates. Digital identification is not accepted by Colorado vital records offices.
Historical Death Records in Bent County
Bent County was established in 1889. Early death records may be incomplete. The Colorado State Archives is the best source for historical research. Contact them at 303-866-2358.
Cemetery records provide an alternative to official death certificates. Many Bent County cemeteries are documented on Find A Grave. Local historical societies may also have burial records.
Probate records can help establish death dates. The Bent County Clerk and Recorder may have older court records. Call 719-456-2009 to inquire about historical documents.