Melvin Howard Funk

Melvin Howard Funk ("Mel") passed on March 23, 2025, in the hospital following an unexpected major heart attack on March 20, 2025 at his residence in Centennial, CO. He was only 70 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. Mel was born on August 1, 1954 in Clovis, New Mexico.
Mel held his love for family, honor, country, and doing good works above all else. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors (especially in Colorado!) every time he had the opportunity. He was a devoted, loving, and exceedingly patient husband, father, and friend. The encouragement and inspiration he engendered in others through his kindness, generosity, humor, and humility will be forever remembered fondly by everyone whose lives he touched.
Mel graduated from Arvada High School in 1972. He served briefly and honorably in the Army to begin his career where he trained as a paratrooper. Following that, and after a short time with Texas Instruments, he worked faithfully in the same location for over 20 years as an Electronics Technician (despite the business changing names 5 times [Western Electric, Mountain Bell, AT&T, Lucent, Avaya, and Celestica] until layoffs began in 2003). He graduated with honors from Red Rocks Community College as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician in 2004 which allowed him to work for Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, KS until his retirement in early 2021. He was finally able to move back home to Colorado in late 2024.
Mel was preceded in death by both his parents Glen and Edythe Funk. Mel is survived by Linda Funk (his loving wife), Kenza Funk (daughter), Gary and Tanda Funk (son and his wife), Zira Funk (granddaughter, Kenza's daughter), Lily Funk (granddaughter, Gary's daughter), Jane Klockars (sister), Susan Thiret (sister), and many more cherished extended family members.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Sunday, August 10th, 2025 in Greenwood Village, CO. More details for the ceremony will be sent to family and friends via e-mail and social media; please contact Linda or Kenza Funk if you wish to attend and haven't received this information by July 18th. RSVP for headcount is needed on or before Saturday, August 2nd, 2025.
Tributes may be submitted (here) through the All Veterans Funeral & Cremation website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. https://shop.rmef.org/donate/