Deryl Dean Dunham

Deryl Dean Dunham, 91, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, at 9:25 p.m.

Deryl was born on September 2, 1934, to Ruby L. Dunham (Crane) and Merl E. Dunham and was raised on a farm in Prospect Valley. Growing up, he enjoyed frequent trips to Illinois to visit his father's family, memories he carried fondly throughout his life.

He graduated from Prospect Valley High School in 1952 and briefly attended Colorado State University before returning home to help on the family farm. Deryl spent many years farming before beginning his career with Public Service, working at the Cherokee Power Plant in the mid-1960s. In 1970, he transferred to the Fort St. Vrain Nuclear Power Plant, where he worked until his retirement in 1996.

Deryl and his beloved wife, Donna, both grew up in small neighboring towns-Deryl in Prospect Valley and Donna in Wiggins, Colorado. Though they had known of one another and crossed paths at school dances and events, they were reintroduced after high school at a reunion prom. They began dating and were married later that same year on October 27, 1956. Together, they built their life on the family farm in Prospect Valley.

A dedicated, hardworking husband, Deryl was also a strict but fun and soft-hearted father. He and Donna welcomed three children: Denise Diane in 1958, Dawn Deann in 1960, and Daren Dean in 1963. Family was always his top priority. He was the person everyone could count on-whether it meant fixing a car, helping someone move, or simply showing up when he was needed.

Deryl was most proud of his family, his arrowhead collection, and his exceptional auto body work on cars and trucks. He was known as hardworking, dedicated, ornery, and deeply caring. He never knew a stranger and treated everyone with respect, no matter their walk of life. He had a special way of defending the underdog and always stood up for those who needed it.

His hobbies included arrowhead hunting, motorcycles, auto body work, and spending time with his family. Later in life, his greatest joy came from watching his family grow through marriages and the arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a grandfather, Deryl never missed a sporting event and was always present for what mattered most. He passed down lessons of respect, honesty, and strong work ethic. He will be fondly remembered for late-night card games with Denise and Lonnie's family, his dedication in driving Dawn to countless knee doctor appointments from sixth through twelfth grade, working alongside Daren on the farm with the Geritol Hay Crew, and for his love of Oreos, candy, Aramis cologne, impeccably kept cars, and Frank Sinatra music.

Deryl is survived by his children Denise Johnson (Lonnie) of Greeley, Dawn Ritchey (Grant) of La Salle, and Daren Dunham (Tosha) of Keenesburg; his grandchildren Cole Ritchey, Drew Johnson (Stephanie), Jared Thomson (Ali), Tearsa Martinez (Timmy), Lacy Jo Ward (Joshua), Jessie Zook (Alex), and Cord Dunham; and his great-grandchildren London Martinez, Ruby Martinez, Ryatt Martinez, Jack Johnson, and Jace Ward.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna Dunham and his parents Merl and Ruby Dunham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 W. 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.