Edward Menges, Jr.

Edward H. Menges, Jr. was born September 18, 1945 in Pittsburg, PA to parents Jean A. and Edward H. Menges, Sr. 'Kip' had a close extended family and was an active member of the Third Presbyterian Church. He attended Grove City College in PA where he was a swimmer, member of Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity and graduated in 1967 with a BA in Political Science. Ed enlisted in the US Army in 1967; served in the Old Guard, where he participated in Pres. Eisenhower's State Funeral and the inauguration of Pres. Nixon; completed a tour in Vietnam from 1969-70; and was honorably discharged as 1st Lt. Ed was awarded a Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Ed married Lucia Porter of Quincy, FL in 1969. Ed and Lucia moved to Lakewood, CO where he was Director of Personnel for the City. His first daughter, Sarah, was born in 1975. In 1980, Ed moved to the Ft. Collins area where he spent the duration of his life raising a family, building community ties and life-long friendships. In 1983, Ed married Cheryl Kistler of Ft. Collins. Ed and Cheri had a son, Michael, in 1984 and daughter Melissa in 1986. He was also a stepfather to Cheri's son, Mark McConnell. Ed owned and operated Coors' Marshall Distributing, later managed Michael Ricker Pewter, and most recently worked at Markley Motors. Among his many contributions to the community, Ed sat on the CSU Ram Booster Board of Directors, was Pres. of the Chamber of Commerce, Board member and Pres. of the Ft. Collins Country Club, Chairman of the United Way Campaign, and taught business at CSU. Above all, Ed's family was always the most important aspect of his life. He was a dedicated and proud father, caring son, loving Grandpa, respected brother, valued friend, coach, and admired small business mentor. He also loved time spent with his friends, playing golf, and reading. Ed passed away at Poudre Valley Hospital on May 12, 2009. Gratefully, he had a short bout with cancer. Ed is survived by his mother Jean Menges; sister Carol Lee; brothers Jay, Tom, and Richard Menges; son Michael Menges; daughters Melissa Menges and Sarah Tomlinson; her husband Dustin; and two grandchildren Jordan and Gracie Tomlinson. Ed's memorial service will be held Sunday, May 24 at 2:30 pm in First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave, Ft. Collins. A celebration of his life will follow at Pappy's Corner Pub 1027 W. Horsetooth, Ft. Collins. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made in Ed's name to his long-time favorite charity, United Way of Larimer County, 424 Pine St, Ft. Collins, CO 80524.