MELVIN “MEL” EUGENE DENSON
Provided Photo
May 10, 1942 – January 13, 2026
Melvin Eugene Denson, known to all as “Mel,” passed away on January 13th in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 83. He was born to Troy and Clara (Chapman) Denson on May 10, 1942, in Salina, Kansas.
As part of a large family, his childhood was shaped by hard work and adaptability as the family followed opportunities in the packing house industry where his father made his living. Mel attended numerous schools during his youth and ultimately graduated from Salina High School.
It was in Salina that Mel met the love of his life, Anita Stein. They were married on December 9, 1961, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, commitment, and shared values (64 years). While living in Salina, Mel worked various jobs, and he and Anita welcomed their first child, Glenda.
After a short time in Bavaria, Kansas, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Mel began working at G&C Packing Company, and welcomed their second child, Debbi.
Mel and Anita later settled on 40 acres south of Peyton, Colorado to grow their family and raise their children. Welcoming their third daughter, Kim, and sons Butch, and Kenny.
Mel spent many years in the livestock industry earning deep respect across multiple states. His reputation was built on hard work, kindness, compassion, and fairness. A man of his word, Mel believed strongly in the value of a handshake and personal integrity. Values which he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Mel and Anita immersed themselves into their community and assisted wherever help was needed; becoming a trusted presence to many families.
Their home became a gathering place for local high school kids—a safe place filled with laughter, card games, and guidance. Many of those young people became extended family, forming a village that helped raise the Denson children.
Above all, Mel was a man of faith. He loved his Lord and Savior and lived out his faith daily through his actions. While he may not have been in church every weekend, he truly walked with Christ in his everyday life.
Family was Mel’s greatest joy and primary “hobby.” He took time to learn what his loved ones enjoyed, believing that understanding someone’s passions opened the door to deeper relationships. He loved fishing with family, attending sporting events for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in his younger years, hunting whatever might be edible—though from his children’s perspective, some of those meals were questionable.
Melvin Eugene Denson leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work, and unconditional love. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
Mel is survived by his beloved wife, Anita Stein Denson and children Glenda Browning, Debbi (Tom) Tatum, Kim (Julie) Denson, Butch Denson (Leah), Kenneth “Kenny” Denson (Lore), and Greg Kaza (Christa); Grandchildren
Michael (Samantha), Patrick (Jenna), Kiyo (Andrew), Christopher (Willow), and Greg (Samantha), Evan, Reese (Caleb), Josh, Whitney (Sammy), Nicole (Phillip), Casey, and Cody (Kashley); and 20 great-grandchildren.
Mel is also survived by his siblings: Phyllis (Samuel) Willingham, Bob (Paula) Denson, Mick Denson, Wilma (Don) Long, and Johnny Ivan (Anne) Thornburgh, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and in-laws who held a special place in his heart. Melvin loved you all.
Services will be held May 2nd, 2026.
If you would like to contribute to the Denson Family Memorial Fund at Farmers State Bank P.O. Box 9, Calhan,CO 80808
