Milton “Bup” or “Buppy” Melonas, age 88, was a lifelong resident of Colorado and took pride in being from La Veta, Colorado. He was born on July 20, 1935, to Nickolas Melonas and Anna (Welsby) Melonas and passed away on October 29, 2023. He served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic for 27 years and traveled to many places but always considered Colorado to be his home.
Milton absolutely loved when spring was in the air. He would get butterflies from the excitement of everything he was going to do in the upcoming spring and summer weather. In his younger years he enjoyed camping and hunting and as he grew older, he still loved fly fishing and playing the guitar. Later in life, he still enjoyed being outside going on long car rides as well as train rides. He also really enjoyed taking road trips and visiting different places within the United States. Milton enjoyed the challenge of playing games and most of all the card game 500 with his family. He was an awesome car mechanic and thoroughly loved working on his 1966 Mustang. Milton was extremely fond of spending time with family and would say that he isn’t lucky when it comes to winning money, but he sure was lucky and hit the jackpot with his family – meaning both immediate and extended. He was an extremely good pool player and enjoyed watching YouTube clips on how to make trick shots and then practice to perfection.
Milton met the love of his life, Josephine (Sporcich) Melonas in Walsenburg and married in November of 1954 and they were wed for over 60 years. Josephine Melonas never called a 1-800 number for help, that number was 1-800 Milton (the original Google) as known to the rest of us.
He is survived by his children: Nancy Melonas and Laura (husband, Ed) Sharpe; grandchildren: Bobby Havens (wife, Tammy), Reid Sharpe and Sarah Cisneros (husband, Lennon); brother, Billy Melonas (wife, Barbara); and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. He loved and cherished them all just as they did him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
Niki Smith
4 Nov 2023Milton was a wonderful man and a true gentleman He had the knack of making everyone around him feel special and interesting. He was extremely talented in everything that he did and he did a lot from cabinet making to auto mechanics. He was always ready to lend a helping hand with a lot of gusto and a winning smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Paulette Anaya
4 Nov 2023Sending prayers and hugs to you Nancy, Laura and the entire family. May your heart and mind be filled with fond memories of your Daddy.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Paulette Anaya
Doug and Melissa Dahm
5 Nov 2023What a beautiful example of a life well lived. His influence and legacy will live on for many generations. Praying those cherished memories will bring your family peace and comfort as you release him to the arms of God. Our sincere condolences.
Steve Young
5 Nov 2023The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Melonas’ 27 years of service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Angie Williamson
7 Nov 2023Dearest Friends,
My family was praying for your dad before he passed, for a beautiful reconciliation with God the Father. And we pray for all of you now as you cross this bridge that you’ve come to. It was a honor and a privilege to know “Pops” Milton, one of the most talented men I’ve ever known. Peace and love to you.
Angie Williamson
William (Bill) Melonas
9 Nov 2023To my beautiful cousins Laura and Nancy,
My dear Uncle Milton and Aunt Josephine had two daughters, and also many children because we all felt like they were mom and dad to us.
All of the fishing trips, all of the Sunday afternoons & Bronco games, and all of the building projects that I spent time with him working and playing have been cherished for each and every moment.
But most of all, I will miss playing 500 with him as a partner and father. Those were the times that my brother (George) and I felt closest to Uncle Bup and Uncle Bill.
All I can do to honor him is to love people as much as he loves us.
Joyce McKillip
9 Nov 2023I loved and respected my uncle Milton
He was my favorite uncle and Josephine was one one my favorite aunts. They lived in Walsenburg for a short while and I visited them almost every day. I will truly miss him!!!
Irene Hasenack
11 Nov 2023Dear Laura and Nancy, sending caring thoughts your way during this difficult time and hoping that with every day, things get a little easier and pleasant memories grow stronger. Uncle Milton was such a joy to me and your beautiful Mom was too.