Melvin “Mel” Gray, beloved husband, father and Papa, passed away on March 6, 2023 at the age of 75 at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs.
Mel grew up in Dallas, Texas with his parents, Melvin and Sylvia (Mugs and Toby) and his older brother, Tom Gray. Mel’s love of all things that fly developed at a young age. He became quite accomplished at flying and building model airplanes, so much so that he competed and placed at the national level.
Mel went on to attend the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1970. It was there that he met his best friend and love of his life, Karen Fann. Mel and Karen were married in Dallas in 1970. Their daughter Jennifer (Jenny) was born in 1971 and their son Paul was born in 1982. Mel and Karen fell in love with Colorado in the late 70’s after a ski trip away in the mountains. They sold their house and packed their bags and moved from Houston to Colorado Springs shortly after in the summer of 1979.
Mel worked in manufacturing in the areas of Aerospace and Medical Technology industries and was extremely skilled and talented in machine work. His skill with people led him to be a quality control, manufacturing and operations manager.
Mel transferred his technical skills to computers and he went back to school in Aurora and earned his Computer Science Technician Certificate in 1994 and his Associate of Applied Science Degree in 1995. He went on to work at the U.S. District Court in Denver as a Data Manager and kept many a judge laughing there until his retirement in 2011.
Mel and Karen moved to Monument after they retired from their jobs in Denver. Mel loved the freedom that retirement provided and could often be seen in the morning walking out of his house and taking in the crisp morning air and beautiful mountain views. Mel and Karen filled their days with helping others, caring for their grandchildren, volunteering with the Red Cross and with Mel serving as a Stephen Minister at his church. Mel also enjoyed teaching his love of flying and rockets to students at St. Peter Catholic School. One of Mel’s greatest joys was flying his model airplanes with The Magnificent Mountain Men Free Flight Club. It was there, surrounded by friends and the vast blue sky that he ran free on the Colorado plains and was happiest.
Mel was a humble man who cherished his wife and family. He was deeply committed to Christ through his Catholic faith and believed in serving and helping others. He was known for his kindness, quick wit and sense of humor and often used humor to keep things in perspective. Wherever he was, laughter, good music and a cold beer were sure to be found.
Mel is survived by his wife, Karen Gray and his daughter Jenny Gaona (husband Charlie) and his son Paul Gray (wife Tracy) and grandchildren Matthew, Emma, Michael and Daniel Gaona and Rachel and Savannah Gray and cousin, Michael Menor.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Sylvia Gray, his brother Tom Gray and his mother-in-law Regina Fann.
The family requests that donations be made in Mel’s name to Tri-Lakes Cares, P.O. Box 1301, Monument, CO 80132.
In memory of Mel, take some time to look up at the beauty of the sky and breathe in the fresh air. Hug your loved ones, laugh freely, find a way to help a neighbor and always remember to keep things in perspective with a good dose of humor.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Melvin L. "Mel" Gray, visit the Tribute Store.
20
Mar
55 North Jefferson Street
Monument, CO 80132
Viewing will be held in St. Peter Church in front of the altar.
21
Mar
55 North Jefferson Street
Monument, CO 80132
21
Mar
55 North Jefferson Street
Monument, CO 80132
There will be a reception immediately following the Mass in the Parish Ministry Center.
22
Mar
34201 Co Rd 33
Kiowa, Colorado 80117
34201 Co Rd 33
Kiowa, Colorado 80117
