Donald Lee Stroup

Donald Lee Stroup, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away on October 7, 2026, surrounded by his devoted wife, children, and family. Though deeply missed, he leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, accomplishment, and cherished memories.

Between those two dates is a little dash, but oh, what a beautiful life that dash represents. 91 years filled with love, laughter, adventure, dedication, extraordinary accomplishments, cherished memories, and a legacy that will live on for generations.

Don’s greatest legacy is the family he built, the love he gave so freely, the lives he touched, and the memories we will carry in our hearts forever. He gave us roots, he gave us love, and he gave us a lifetime of stories to tell.

Born in Haxton, Colorado, to Ray Voyle Stroup and Martha Belle Brown, Don grew up with six siblings, all of whom preceded him in death.

On October 17, 1964, he married his sweetheart and love of his life, Cynthia Elizabeth “Cindy” Frazier. Together, they shared nearly 62 years of marriage, raised their family, and watched it grow through the generations.

Don was a devoted father to Richard Lee Stroup and his wife, Sheryl; Mark Allan Stroup and his wife, Cindy; and Jennifer Elizabeth Stroup and her partner, Brad Allard. He was a cherished grandfather to Halee Young; Ellie Fortune and Eddie Morrison; Kristina and Cody Baack; Jessica and Andy LeVere; Megan and Keith Shennap; Andrew Vickery and Teara Breck; Sage Kitzmiller; and Quinn Kitzmiller. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Addison, Ashlynn, Alexandra, Cole, Lilly, Azriel, and Everleigh.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army as an engineer before building a successful career in sheet metal. His craftsmanship helped shape Colorado landmarks, including the Eisenhower Tunnel and Denver International Airport. An entrepreneur at heart, he also owned and managed residential properties and storage units as well as other businesses throughout his years.

He was happiest with a project to tackle or a problem to solve. Even in retirement, he spent time at his shop, selling firewood, visiting with customers, and building friendships. With a sharp mind and talented hands, he could build, repair, create, or figure out nearly anything. He patiently shared his knowledge and taught others the value of hard work, determination, independence, and pride in a job well done.

Don loved traveling, camping, the outdoors, and sharing adventures with family and church friends. A man of faith, he was devoted to his church and deeply connected to the Arvada community. Through missionary work, he helped rebuild colleges in St. Vincent, generously offering his time and skills to create opportunities for others. He never met a stranger and easily turned conversations into friendships.

Brilliant, strong, witty, adventurous, and tenderhearted, Don made people feel welcome. His greatest legacy is the family he built—a family bound together by love, strengthened by his example, and enriched by the lessons and memories he leaves behind.

We will miss his stories, humor, wisdom, familiar presence, and the ordinary moments that became precious because he was there. Yet we are profoundly grateful for the wonderful man he was and for the love he gave so freely.

Don spent a lifetime building things meant to last. The most beautiful thing he built was a family. His hardworking hands are now at rest, but the love those hands built will never fade.

Rest peacefully, Big Daddy Don. Thank you for the beautiful life you lived, the family you created, and the love you leave behind. Your legacy will live on in all of us.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Don, Big Daddy Don, Pops, Daddy, and Grampy.