Columbus "Chris" Veasey Jr., Ph.D. Major USAF (Retired)

Columbus Veasey, Jr., known by his family as “Chris,” was born in Memphis, Tennessee to his father, Columbus Veasey, Sr. and his mother, Grace Jackson. He attended Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He met the love of his life, Joan Marie Ingram at Rust College in January of 1954. They were married on March 31, 1956 in Hernando, Mississippi. Columbus received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University, his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, his Master’s degree in Public Administration, and his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Denver. Columbus entered the United States Air Force in 1955. He served faithfully for 20 years and retired in 1975 with the rank of Major. After living in Colorado Springs for three years, Columbus moved to Denver, Colorado with his family in 1976 where he spent the majority of his life. He served as the Director of Finance for Denver Public Library, the Director of Finance for the City and County of Denver (Mayoral Appointee), the Manager of the Denver Department of Human Services (Mayoral Appointee), and as the Manager of the Denver Department of Environmental Health (Mayoral Appointee). He retired in 2004. In 2018, Chris and his wife Joan, moved to San Antonio, Texas to be near their daughter, Janet Fleurant and her family.

Chris was a lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. He was initiated into the Colorado Springs Alumni Chapter in 1973. He served as the Polemarch of the Denver Alumni Chapter from 1978 to 1981. He was very involved with Kappa Housing, Inc., and the Denver Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation. He was a board member of the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver from 1995-1999, and a board member of Five Points Business Association from 2002-2005. He was Treasurer and Chairman of the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Awards Committee from 2010-2011.

Chris enjoyed listening to jazz music, playing chess, cheering on the Denver Broncos, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor. He was cheerful and usually had a smile on his face. He was always there to lend a listening ear and offer words of encouragement. He was actively involved in his community and strived to make life better for others.

After a very full and well-lived life, Columbus Veasey, Jr. passed away on August 18, 2021, at the age of 85.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Grace Jackson and Columbus Veasey, Sr.; his brother, Leon Thomas; and his sister, Ernestine Smith.

Chris will always be remembered by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan Veasey; his son, Byron Veasey (Karen) of Mableton, Georgia; his daughter, Janet Fleurant (Hervé) of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Daniel Fleurant of San Antonio, Texas, Sahai Fleurant of College Station, Texas, David (Halle) Fleurant of San Antonio, Texas, Sierra Fleurant of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Mary Wilson of Memphis, Tennessee; brother Maurice Thomas of Gaylord, Michigan; godson, John Wesley James, III of Denver, Colorado and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends.

The family will be receiving friends and family on September 7, 2021, at 10:45 AM for a visitation.

FUNERAL SERVICE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

11:45 AM

PORTER LORING MORTURY NORTH

Interment will follow in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to:

Denver Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation

2160 Downing Street

Denver, CO 80205

Order of Service

* His Eye is On the Sparrow - Performed by: Tina Crawley

* Opening Remarks: Fleurants

* Prayer

* Video Tribute

* Speakers:

Dr. George & Juanita Wayne

Drs. Joe & Alice Langley

George Stowers

Kappa Brothers

* Unforgettable - Performed by: Tina Crawley

* Family Tribute:

Fleurants

Byron Veasey

* Reading of the Obituary: Daniel Fleurant

* Eulogy: Hervé Fleurant

* Video Remembrance

* Wind Beneath My Wings - Performed by: Tina Crawley

For those who are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed below: