David Serapio Abeyta

David S. Abeyta went home to be reunited with beautiful wife, Frances (Melgares) Abeyta , his mother Cornelia, his father Andrew, his sister Francie, and all previous departed family on early morning Tuesday, Sept 3, 2024 in Rifle CO. He was 92 years young. His Daughter, Toni proud to be at his side, to see those beautiful hazel eyes flash a final time saying farewell.

Born in Sheridan Wyoming on November 14, 1931, David was given a special middle name he kept private for many years. When asking his mother, she told the story that a town mid wife and medicine woman had told her (his mother Nellie), that she must not only name the baby David, but also include the name of all Angels. Serapio (for Seraphim) was his middle name and no doubt, David’s life had angelic and heavenly protection and guidance the entire way thru.

David was known to all as the most patriotic veteran, with his photo gracing the cover of the local Senior Paper, the Beacon. Always wearing his USS Tortuga Jacket, along with his heavily pinned hat, signifying all locations of his Navy Reunions and other treasured angel pins. So heavy were the pins, he’d joke about not getting hit by lightning.

David was proud of his military career, serving 5 years in Navy during the Korean War, then learning his Love, Frances, would not marry a military man, he got out of the Navy. On January 19th, 1956, David married his sweetheart keeping his word he would be a civilian. After searching for work in the town of Sterling, CO and finding nothing to fit his sense of adventure, nor enough security, he joined the Air Force. He had kept his word to his bride, and also created a new 16.5-year career in the US Air Force, totaling 21.5 years.

David was selected as Airman of the Year at Travis AFB, 3 years in a row, and turned down the 1960 trip to Hawaii, on the 3rd year, to take interviews to be new parents to adopt a child. Dave and Frances were chosen to pick up a little bundle Toni, they named after Frances’ mother, Antonia. They lived as a family of 3 and David’s military took them to EU and back again. Before leaving the AF, David got orders to go to Phuket Vietnam, where he served 1.5 years in the Engine Analyzing Labs.

In 1971, David settled the family in beautiful Grand Junction Colorado, when he was selected to work for the State of Colorado for DOT. His final position as a Federal DOT inspector was the period to say that he had proudly worked all – AIR, LAND, and SEA, and without hesitation said he’d do it all over again. He meant it.

David and Frances were known as a dynamic duo in their retirement, enjoying meeting people across the country and bringing health and wellness to family and friends, thus starting a family business.

He was loved by those who knew his heart. He always wanted people to know he appreciated their work. He was also famous for giving “BOW TIES” as special tips that waiters and waitresses would never unfold, and keep.

He was mechanically minded and meticulous in his mind for details. He had a fun, clever wit that will be missed along with his devotion to his Jesus and his Church, St. Josephs.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, 2:30 PM, October 3, 2024, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Grand Junction, CO.