Roy Chester Box

Roy Chester Box was born on Aug. 27, 1953, in San Juan, TX. He passed away on Jan. 4, 2024, after a life full of happiness, adventure, and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Dora Box. He is survived by his wife Michelle, brother Gary, and sister in law LuAnn. His children Stephany, Roy, Katrina, Adam, Jared, Rita, and Troy. Granddaughter MaryJo, and 14 more grandchildren and over 10 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

Roy grew up in a military household moving all over the country and even Germany. He ended up in Colorado Springs, where he graduated from Harrison High School in 1972. He followed his father into the Army, enlisting in 1979. He served until 1987 when he was given an Honorable Medical Discharge.

After leaving Active Duty and dealing with a lot of red tape and set backs trying to get his benefits and medical treatment through the V.A. Roy became a powerful advocate for Disabled American Veterans and their rights and recognition of their service to this country. He helped bring awareness not just locally but nationally. He helped start a local chapter of the American Legion Riders where he served as president for many years. Creating charities and fundraisers was important to him. He helped build the Veteran Memorial in Fountain, CO. He helped lobby for the Pikes Peak National Cemetery when the V.A. was deciding where to put it. He was co-founder of the Salute to American Veterans Rally, which has been going strong for over 30 years.

As his health began to decline, his spirit did not. Instead of seeing confinement to a wheelchair as a setback, he used it as an opportunity to support Paralyzed Veterans. Even going as far as training and competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Weightlifting, basketball, downhill skiing, and even paracycling.

Even with all of these great achievements, he was a firm believer in family... his family. His love and strength were felt by everyone. Pride in all of his personal accomplishments paled in comparison to the pride he had in his family.

Roy Box was a son, a brother, a Soldier, a father, a husband, a grandfather, a friend, a Veteran and a leader but above all Roy was loved and will never be forgotten.