Gerald Eugene "Bub" Menges

Gerald E. Menges aka ”Bub”, 92, of Fowler Nursing Care Center and longtime resident of La Junta passed peacefully into eternity on Sept. 20, 2019

Gerald was born Dec. 31, 1926 to Elmer Millard & Frances (Romberger) Menges in Salina KS. Gerald grew up in Abilene, KS graduating High School in 1945. He was immediately drafted into the US Army and served our country during WWII. Returning home Gerald met and married Donna J. Dawson; they shared 73 years together. Starting a family that includes four sons and a daughter, Warren D., Sandra J. (Menges) Pryor, Jerry D., Terry E. and Kurt J. Menges that blessed him with 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Gerald’s career started with KP&L (Kansas Power and Light) moving onto a construction job building transmission lines, then joining forces with the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. In 1953 he moved to La Junta and became the lead electrician that spanned 28 years. Following retirement from the Santa Fe, Gerald was offered a job with the City of La Junta & Otero County as their electrical inspector until he retired for good.

Gerald loved the outdoors with hunting and camping a passion. Gerald’s contribution to society was giving un-selfishly to the Colorado Boys Ranch as it was being established wiring the dorms and cottages acquired from the airbase. He also worked alongside many great leaders in a local Boy Scout organization that was sponsored by the John Fisher Hose Co. spending many hours training, transporting and helping many boys achieve skills in first aide and survival. Gerald’s highest award in scouting “the Silver Beaver Award” was presented by the National Boy Scout Council for his generosity and commitment. Following scouting Gerald became active in the Good Sam’s, (Good Samaritans) camping organization through the local and state levels. At the local level he served many years as wagon master where he organized many trips and convoyed many campers to numerous camp grounds and areas to accommodate large groups of camping enthusiast. Sunday mornings were special, before all the campers departed pancakes, sausage and eggs were grilled and enjoyed by all. Gerald served in all the offices up to and including president. Gerald was also active at the state level for many years. He organized Camporees for people from all over Colorado and the US to enjoy camping in a larger setting. He arranged vendors and meetings along with activities and crafts where money was raised to help support the Mennonites Relief Sale in Rocky Ford. Gerald also delivered hundreds of hot meals too many elderly shut ins through Meals on Wheels for many years. Gerald was always ready to lend a helping hand!

Gerald has requested a small service to take place at Fort Lyon with family, relatives and very close friends. Graveside service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ft. Lyon National Cemetery with military honors by the Rocky Ford Rifle Team, American Legion Post #8.

Anyone wishing to do so may make a memorial contribution in Gerald’s name to a charity of their choosing or a local hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.