Melvin Wayne Brisendine Obituary


Description: Melvin Wayne Brisendine Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Melvin Wayne Brisendine

May 27, 1945 ~ August 5, 2025 (age 80)

A celebration of Melvin’s life will be held on August 18th at 1:30 PM at First Christian Church in Burlington, Colorado.

 

Obituary

Melvin Wayne Brisendine passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital after a courageous two-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Born in Baca County near Springfield, Colorado, Melvin was the son of Melvin (M.C.) and Leona Brisendine. He was one of eight siblings, with two older brothers, Russell and Jimmy, two older sisters, Betty Williams and Patsy Hutches, one younger brother, Larry, and two younger sisters, Billie Brown and Lonita Schaller.

On September 11, 1966, Melvin married the love of his life, Patsy (Lawler). Together they raised two sons, Mitch and Jared, and were blessed with five grandchildren: Damian, Destanee, Logan, Kenzie, and Codi; and two great grandchildren. Melvin also cherished his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of close friends.

Melvin graduated from Springfield High School, class of 1963. He was deeply connected to his classmates, often organizing reunions and maintaining lifelong friendships. A talented musician, Melvin played trombone and enjoyed experimenting with many instruments, forging a strong bond with the Springfield community through his music.

Following high school, he became a devoted fan of his younger brother Larry, cheering him on from the sidelines as he played football for the Springfield Longhorns. In 1965–66, Melvin and Larry attended Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo, joined by several close friends.  After Larry married Shirley (Pat’s sister) the four were inseparable and enjoyed countless trips together.

In 1966, Melvin was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War as a Military Police Officer stationed in Thailand. He supported convoys tasked with transporting military equipment and supplies. During this time, Melvin built strong friendships that he would reconnect with later in life.

After his military service, Melvin and Pat settled in Colorado Springs, where he began his career with the city’s Engineering Department, working on surveying and infrastructure as the city grew rapidly. During this time, Melvin and Pat proudly welcomed their two beloved sons that brought extensive joy to his life.

Seeking a quieter pace of life, the family later returned to Springfield, where Melvin served as City Manager. For over 20 years, he poured his heart into improving the community he loved, contributing to numerous local projects and initiatives. As a father, Melvin was always present; attending every game, concert, or event his sons participated in. His love extended to all his nieces and nephews, and he remained closely connected to his siblings and their families.

In August 2000, Melvin and Pat moved to Burlington, Colorado, where Melvin began a new chapter working at Vinces GM Center. This new setting allowed him to continue engaging with people, something he truly loved. Additionally, Melvin and Pat forged many great friendships in Burlington; especially the members of the FNC (Friday Night Club).  To Melvin, no one stayed a stranger for long.

Melvin will be deeply missed and remembered for his warmth, humor, dedication to family, and deep commitment to the communities he served.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Pat; his sons, Mitch (Sharon) and Jared (Julie); his siblings, Patsy Hutches, Larry (Shirley) Brisendine, and Billie (Herb) Brown; as well as his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death, from his immediate family, by his parents, brothers Russell and Jimmy, and sisters Betty and Lonita.

It may be any time at all when memories start

Memories of yesterday, so delight our hearts

These very special memories that time cannot erase

And in our hearts, they’ll always hold a very special place

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital

Rocky Mountain Cancer Center

VFW Post 6491, Burlington, CO

Brown Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.