Virgil VanDeventer

Virgil VanDeventer, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Parker, Colorado, on May 24, 2026. Born on June 8, 1931, in Big Lake, Minnesota, Virgil lived a life rich with purpose, love, and dedication to both family and faith.

Virgil’s journey began in the Midwest, where he graduated from Rapid City High School in South Dakota in 1949. Answering the call of service, he proudly served as a Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954. Upon completing his military service, Virgil pursued his passion for engineering by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines in 1959.

His professional life was marked by innovation and entrepreneurship. In 1975, Virgil founded Technology Marketing Associates, a business specializing in electronic components. His company successfully collaborated with notable companies such as Martin Marietta, Hewlett Packard, and Sperry, reflecting his expertise and dedication to the field of electrical engineering.

Those who knew Virgil will remember not only his career achievements but also his nurtured spirit of generosity and honor. He was deeply rooted in his faith as a member of The Church of God in Aurora, Colorado—a community he served faithfully as a Deacon for many years. Church was a cornerstone of his life, a place where he met his beloved wife, Mary, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

Family was the heart of Virgil’s world. Together, they adopted two daughters: Julie Ann in 1959 and JoLyn in 1969. Their family expanded over the years to include grandchildren Rebecca Garcia (John), Christine Smith, Brian Olson, Julie Marie Wade, Anthony Epping (Ashley), and Neena Elgin (Hayden), along with 20 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren, who all held a special place in his heart. Virgil is also survived by his brother, Vernon VanDeventer (Jane), sister-in-law, Lorraine VanDeventer and a brother-in-law, Don Bowen.

Virgil’s family fondly recalls holidays filled with joyous laughter and storytelling, a testament to his warm and captivating nature. His daughters remember treasured trips spanning much of the United States, Great Britain, France, The Bahamas, Canada, the Hawaiian Islands, and Mexico, journeys that broadened horizons and created lasting memories.

Beyond his professional and family life, Virgil found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening, where he lovingly cultivated corn, green beans, pumpkins, and raspberries. His loyal dog, Ammo, was a constant companion, providing comfort and companionship throughout the years.

Virgil’s faith was the foundation of his life. Serving the Lord was always his highest priority, and he truly gave everything he had—his heart, his time, his talents, and his trust—to God and to his family. He lived out his faith every day through his kindness, humility, steadfast love, and unwavering commitment to Christ. Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6, he trusted in the Lord with all his heart, refused to lean on his own understanding, and sought God's direction in every area of his life. More than anything, he wanted to be remembered as a godly man who faithfully gave his all to God and to those he loved, and that is exactly the legacy he leaves behind. 

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Mary Alta VanDeventer; his parents, Fred and Roszella VanDeventer; his brothers, Ellsworth and Eugene VanDeventer; and his sisters, Estelle Wessell and Yvonne Bowen.

His legacy is one of unwavering devotion—to his family, his faith, his work, and the community he loved. Virgil VanDeventer's life stands as a beautiful testament to the power of kindness, honor, and the enduring bonds of love. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.