Wilbur J Gamez

Wilbur “Wil” J. Gamez passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on November 18, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born on November 9, 1932, in Denver, he was the son of Jim Gamez and Emma (Strong) Gamez. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Bernice (Gamez) Bernal, Betty (Gamez) Ruiz, Robert Gamez, and Dale Gamez.

A proud veteran, Wil served in the US Army Reserve and the US Navy. During his Navy service, he worked as a fire controlman aboard the USS McDermut 677 destroyer ship for 46 months during the Korean War. His tour of duty took him to Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Formosa (Taiwan), China, Midway, and Korea.

After his military service, Wil attended barber school at the Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver. In 1959, he and his wife Mary Ann moved to Manitou Springs. Wil partnered with his uncle Ray Romero at Ray’s Barbershop, and in 1964, he became the owner, renaming it Wil’s Barbershop. He became a trusted fixture in the community, with a loyal client base that spanned up to five generations with some local families. The shop was often a gathering place for the latest news, sports talk, and community updates. Wil had the gift of gab. Wil’s children quickly learned there was no escaping tomfoolery as many of their teachers and school administrators were also his customers.

Outside of his career, Wil was an avid outdoorsman who cherished family camping trips in the Colorado mountains. Fall hunting season was especially dear to him, as he’d close his shop for a week to hunt antelope, deer, or elk with his sons and friends. He was a skilled carpenter who could fix or build anything, he loved his Denver Broncos and he was always ready for an adventure. Wil was a friend to all who knew him.

Wil retired from barbering in 2021. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought bravely to the end, surrounded by his loved ones.

Wil is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann (Archuleta) Gamez, whom he married on June 22, 1956, in Denver, CO. He also leaves behind his children Larry Gamez, Kirk Gamez (spouse Stephanie Gamez), Leslie Gamez (spouse Steven McCauley), and Melissa (Gamez) McElhaney, as well as his grandchildren James Gamez, Cassie Gamez, Kaleb Gamez, and Josh Stewart, and several nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to attend a memorial Mass for Wil on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. Interment will follow in Spring/Summer 2025 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Wil’s memory to Mt. Carmel Veterans Center in Colorado Springs. https://www.veteranscenter.org/donate/