Dennis Wilson

Corrected April 2024 by his step-daughter, April Wilson

Born August 10, 1946 in Denver, CO. He was adopted shortly after birth by his loving parents Jasper M. and Emma Lulu Wilson (Stolte) who lived in Grand Junction, CO. Dennis graduated from Grand Junction High School. He joined the U.S. Army after high school as an E5 Sergeant in Infantry during 3 tours in the Vietnam War, then served in Germany and Virginia for a short while after leaving Vietnam. He proudly served his country for 10 years before he retired. Dennis had been employed as a long haul Truck Driver for nearly 40 years before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014.

He enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, traveling, making home improvements, and taking care of his family. He was a very caring, loving, and friendly man who valued a hard day’s and was there to lend a helping hand. As a kid he enjoyed visiting and playing at his Grandpa Stolte’s Orchard in Cedaredge, CO, which had the (now historical) Stolte (Fruit Packing) Shed. 

Dennis married Leslie Keele in 1969, but after a short marriage they divorced in 1976. They did have two beautiful children together, daughter Candie Wilson (Jones) and son Jason Wilson. Unfortunately, Dennis and his children had very little contact, if any, due to issues which have remained private.

He was married Debbie Lee (Valdez) Melton on March 17, 1984 and became a step-father to April M. Melton (4yo) who he raised and loved as his own child but couldn't adopt due to financial reasons. (April changed her last name to Wilson at 18yo to honor the dad who raised her)

Dennis was preceded in death by his adopted grandparents (Wilson’s and Stolte’s), his loving adopted parents, Jasper & Emma, and his younger brother, Ron (biological son to parents). Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Lee Wilson, step-daughter, April Marie Wilson, and step-Nephew, J. Michael (Amy) Dolobacs (who he loved as his own).

He is also survived by his daughter Candie Wilson (Jones), son Jason Wilson, and grandkids from his first marriage. (He may not have had much contact with his children but he did still love them in his heart) 

Memorial services will be April 27, 2018 at 1pm at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado located at 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO where he will receive his Military Honors before interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Dennis’ name to Hope West Hospice of Grand Junction, CO.

Cremation services have been entrusted to Browns Cremation and Funeral Services.

“We remember their LOVE when they can no longer remember.”

"Hooah, Wolverine"