Vincent Howard DeForest, Sr.

Vince received his High School Equivalency Diploma from The University of the State of New York Education Department. After high school, Vince joined the United States Air Force. Before embarking on his military service and leaving overseas, he met his future wife, Marion Ivy Peterson. Vince and Marion corresponded back and forth with letters for two years until his return in 1952. A year later on October 17, 1953, Vince and Marion would exchange wedding vows at the Eisenhower Chapel at Lowry Air Force Base, otherwise known as Chapel One. They were blessed with a son, Vincent Howard DeForest, II. Marion passed away in 2018. Vince dearly missed his beloved bride of 64 years to the day of his own passing.

Before being honorably discharged, Vince was stationed in Guam where part of his duties was helping to load the atomic bomb into B-50’s. Vince proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years.

Vince was quite the handyman, a jack of all trades. He could fix or build anything he set his mind to. Prior becoming involved with law enforcement, Vince was a machinist for Morse Chain Company and was a volunteer firefighter with Thornton Fire Department during the 1950’s and 1960’s. His wife, Marion, loved doing yardwork and tending to her garden. When she could no longer do so, Vince stepped in and took care of that for her. Throughout Vince’s life he enjoyed many things including a fascination with trains- especially, steam trains. He was an avid shooter and was a member of the Green Mill Sportsman’s Club. Vince also enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for the police department, The Shriners or, as long as the weather was decent, he was out riding for leisure enjoyment.

Sergeant Vince Deforest began his law enforcement with the City of Thornton Police Department in the late 1950’s. Sergeant Deforest left the department, but remained active as a volunteer with the Thornton Fire Department. Sergeant Deforest returned to the police department in 1972 to continue his service to the citizens of Thornton, During his career Sergeant Deforest was a member of the range staff and was one of the police department’s motor officers. Sergeant Deforest served the community until his retirement in 1997. Although retired, Sergeant Deforest continued to be a fixture within the police department with his continued support of his fellow police officers by attending countless award, promotional, and retirement ceremonies. Sergeant Deforest’s pictures line the walls of police department’s halls where his memory will continue, and we are deeply grateful for his years of service to the Thornton Police Department.

Following his retirement from the Thornton Police Department, Vince enjoyed driving semi-trucks hauling mail for the United States Post Office.

Vince was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, friend and law enforcement officer and will be missed by many. He is no doubt relaxing in heaven holding the hand of his beloved bride, Marion, while clutching a Guinness beer in the other.

Visitation will be 3:30pm until 7pm, Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant Street in Thornton. Funeral Services will be held 10am, Thursday, April 14, also at Olinger Highland Mortuary. Interment will be at Olinger Highland Cemetery.

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