Thomas "Tom" Mentzer

Thomas Michael Mentzer (Tom) of Denver Colorado passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 75.

Tom was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 3, 1948. He grew up in a small town named Evanston, a suburb of Chicago, where he lived with his 6 siblings and his parents. He graduated in 1966 from Evanston Township High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, was deployed to Thailand and spent time at a few other bases in the states. He was honorably discharged in 1970. While he was in the service, he picked up one of his favorite pastimes, playing pool. He was actually quite good and spent many a night at the pool hall in his later years. He was even on a pool league with many friends.

Tom put down roots in Colorado as he had a great love for the outdoors. He was married twice and was blessed with the birth of his Son, Zach, in 1983. With his second marriage, he became a Dad to his step-daughter, April. He took on his role as step dad with passion and a full heart. Tom was a Postal Clerk with the United States Postal Service for 30 years. He took great pride in his work and received many accolades for his stellar performance. After retiring from the United States Postal Service, he started his second career with Denver Public Schools where he worked for an additional 14 years as a Bus Driver.

He loved working with kids as he was a big kid at heart. Tom was a Scout Master for 7 years with the Boy Scouts of America where he spent countless hours working with young men. He was passionate about serving the young men and teaching them life skills. Tom was a lover of music and spent many years with the Denver Tech Sound of the Rockies Barbershop Chorus. He also loved to play guitar. You could often find him hunting, on a hiking trail or camping with his spare time. He enjoyed spending time with family and was an aspiring chef.

Tom is survived by his son, Zachariah (Jenny) Mentzer; step-daughter, April (Sam) Brack; his brothers and sisters, John “Jack” (Jane) Mentzer; Richard (Joyce) Mentzer; Pamela Loh; Nancy (Mark) Gersdorf; Joanne (Andrew) Morris; Cathy (Frank) Quarles, many nieces & nephews, and several grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John & Elah Mentzer and his brother-in-law, Dick Loh.

Memorial services will be held at Newcomer, 901 South Sheridan, Boulevard, Lakewood CO 80226 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 with visitation at 11:00am, funeral at 12:00pm and gravesite services at Fort Logan at 1:30pm. Reception information to follow.

The family is having an informal gathering following the funeral service at Old Chicago 3550 S. Wadsworth Lakewood 80235 Everyone is welcome.

Thomas's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.