Joel David Sassman

Dave was born in Austin, Texas, October 3, 1940, to Frederick and Margaret Ruth Sassman. He graduated from Travis High School in Austin, Texas, and attended the University of Texas. He moved to Colorado in 1964. At a Trinity United Methodist Church Single Adult Group outing a young lady, Marge, road in his car to a movie. The rest as they say is history. Dave and Marge married on October 16, 1965. Unbeknownst to Marge that date was also her new mother-in-law’s birthday. Dave and Marge lived for 12 years in Denver before moving to Aurora. Dave was an accountant for many years and received his bachelor’s degree in 1989 from Columbia University. Hobbies included model trains, gardening, listening to old time Country music, reading, watching Sci-Fi movies, and of course painting. Dave took numerous classes from Bob Ross certified instructors and had his own paint studio in the basement. After retiring Dave found a new love and served as a Docent volunteer in the education department at the Denver Zoo for over 10 years. Dave was an avid sports fan and a Denver Broncos season ticket holder since 1970.

Dave was a member, from the beginning, of Smoky Hill United Methodist Church, teaching many adult classes. He was a member of Victory Grange, a member of Liberty Masonic Lodge, Unity Chapter of Eastern Star and Colorado Consistory.

Dave is survived by his wife Marjorie (Estes) Sassman, and, daughters Cyndi Charbonneau, and Debbie (Adam) Kemper. Dave leaves behind three grandchildren – very close to his heart – Abbie, Joel and Maggie Kemper. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard (Janice) Sassman of Oklahoma. His sister Cheryl (Ken) Wischer of Texas joined him in heaven, three days after his death.

Celebration of Life Services will be Sunday June 1st at 2 pm at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church, 19491 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Centennial CO 80015. The family would like to request sports team attire to celebrate Dave’s love of sports; especially the Broncos, Avalanche, Nuggets and Rockies.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance or the Smoky Hill United Methodist Church Education Fund.