Dennis Marquez Obituary

Description: Dennis Marquez Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

May 10th, 1940 - December 5th, 2024

Obituary

Dennis Luis Marquez, 84 of Rocky Ford passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at his home. Dennis was born May 10, 1940 at home in the Ft Lyon community to Guadalupe and Mary Marquez.

He was the youngest brother to Luz Gonzales, Esther Montoya and George Marquez. He would often say “We were poor but we didn't know it.”

He married Vickie Pierce on October 5, 1963. They were married 61 years.

Dennis was a competitive athlete and excelled at almost any activity he took on. He was a multi-sport athlete at Bent County High School. And was especially proud of being on the state championship basketball team in 1958. He was an avid baseball and softball player, which continued long into his adult life.

Dennis joined the 947th Medical Group in 1963, where he proudly served his country for 30 years, including being deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990 as 1st Sgt. He also may be remembered for being the shop chief at the Armory in Rocky Ford where he was responsible for the trucks for Watermelon Day at the Arkansas Valley Fair. He also served on the Arkansas Valley Fair Board in the 70's and was instrumental in adding the bicycle races, tricycle races and 5K run to the fair activities.

The hobbies, activities and collections he devoted himself to were long and numerous. He loved motorcycles, hot rods, music, fishing, hunting and being an avid outdoorsman. He passed these things on to his children and created endless memories by dragging them around the countryside in a converted school bus.

He was probably happiest at his beloved cabin in South Fork. He built his cabin with his own hands with the help of numerous friends. He and Vickie spent their summers there where they went on countless adventures and were avid ATVers. It was truly his happy place.

Dennis loved singing karaoke and was known affectionately as “Johnny Cash” by their fun loving ATV club in South Fork. He was also a member of the VFW in Ordway and Southeast Colorado Antique Vehicle Club.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Vickie Marquez, daughter: Nina (Brad) Anderson of Pueblo, son: David (Yulessa) Marquez of La Junta, 3 grandchildren: Brandy MacDonald, Russell Boley and Alexis Anderson and 1 great granddaughter, Quinn Griffin, affectionately known as Hound Dog. He was preceded in death by his son, PJ Marquez.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford. Reception will be announced at the service where the family is encouraging friends to celebrate Dennis' life by sharing their memories. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.bellwoodustick.com

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