Melvin Lee Risenhoover

Mel Risenhoover, 94, of La Junta, Colorado passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born Sunday, November 29, 1931, in Hennessey, Oklahoma to George & Frances (Hough) Risenhoover.

At just one month old, Mel’s family moved from Oklahoma to Colorado riding the famous Galloping Goose railcar over Wolf Creek Pass and settled in Cahone near Four Corners. He grew up in the area’s farming community learning to drive a team of plow horses among other chores. A few years after graduating from Dove Creek High School, he joined the Navy. During the Korean War he served on several ships including the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and the USS Hewell later featured as the fictional “USS Reluctant” in the 1955 movie Mister Roberts. 

After serving, he attended Colorado State University and the University of Utah earning a Master’s degree in Education. Over the next 30 years, Mel served as a public-school teacher. Beginning as a vocational agriculture instructor and moving on to teaching a number of science classes, Mel finished his career by helping usher in the era of computers to La Junta High School as the Electronics Shop teacher. After retiring, he spent time refurbishing old juke boxes for friends, neighbors, and others. He continued to help the grandkids of his original clients keep the units running as recently as this March. Married for 67 years, Mel and Helen very much enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Powell since the late 1970’s; traveling around Colorado and the country in their many campers, trailers, and motorhomes; and working around their home on a seemingly endless number of projects. A highlight for Mel was the annual family elk hunting trip - he had already applied for his 2026 tag.

Mel is survived by his wife, Helen Risenhoover of the La Junta home; sons, Steven (Jeannie) Risenhoover of Centennial, CO; & Alan (Laurel Bryant) Risenhoover of Ivins, UT; sister, Florence J. Wilson of Lee Summit, MO; numerous nieces & nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, George & Frances Risenhoover; 3 brothers & 3 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation in memory of Mel to the Colorado Parks Foundation (https://www.coloradoparksfoundation.org/) or the National Parks Foundation (https://www.nationalparks.org/).

Per family request, there are no scheduled services at this time.

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