Roy Quilly Beason Jr.

Roy was born November 27, 1937 in Joplin, Missouri to Roy Q. Beason & Frances Lee Hall. They, along with Roy’s brother, Marion, headed to Denver before the boys were in elementary school. And despite some harrowing and raucous years traveling in the Marines, Roy called the Denver area his home ever since.

He spent his formative years wandering five points, learning what lye and peroxide does to hair left unattended, and making dozens of life-long friends at Manual High School. Even decades later, a drive through his old haunts took hours, stopping to say hello to all the shouts of "Roy!"

His early adult years were filled with whiskey, fist fights (in which he always prevailed, of course) and dancing. He loved it all, if even a bit too much. He impressed us all with his encyclopedic knowledge of classic cars. He terrified us with that lead foot of his.

It’s hard to find a job Roy didn’t have: truck driver, garbage man, hospital attendant, even chauffeur to Sunday church ladies dressed in their finest. But, Roy shined most behind the counter at the DMV, where he was quick to get anyone to smile even after decades on the job. While there, he had a knack for getting autographs of Bronco players and the occasional Nugget. Did we mention his laugh? You could hear that man’s joyful laugh from down the street. We will miss that.

Roy was father to five: Arlene, James, Roy III, Jesse and Shelle. He is survived by his wife, Leah; former wife, Jan; children, Roy III, Jesse & Shelle; and too many grandchildren to list. He died with a heart full of love for every one of them.

Services will be held at Applewood Baptist Church on February 15, 2018 beginning with visitation at 10:15 a.m., services at 11 a.m. and a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate. In lieu of flowers, donations and poker chips may be sent to Friends of Manual High School, friendsofmanual.org, 1700 E. 28th Ave., Denver, CO 80205.