Raymond Melons

Raymond Jewell Melons, affectionately called "Bo" by family and friends was born on August 24, 1950, in El-Dorado, Arkansas to his parents, Walter Lewis. and Larnell Strickland. He was the second child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brother, Willie Melons, whom everyone called "JR." and his sisters, Margaret and Adrienna. As a child, Raymond enjoyed fishing with his brother. He loved horseback riding, bike riding in the Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs, playing softball as a catcher, playing basketball and boxing. Raymond received his formal education by graduating from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. He furthered his education by attending Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver, Colorado in 1971. Raymond was the proud father of three daughters, Brenda in 1968, and mother, Sandra C. Garcia. On July 5, 1969, he wed Brenda J. Melons in Colorado Springs; to this union, Narvell and Nicole were born. He later wed, the former Laurina Hall in 1983. There were no children born to this union and Laurina preceded him in death. In June of 1994, Raymond met LaVonna Givens in Denver, Colorado. Their relationship has span over twenty two years. He became a father to her two children, William and LaVon. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. Raymond was later blessed with eight grandchildren, Tayler, Tanea, Ahsten, Tasia, Raymond, Triniti, Lonnell, Jr., Nicholas and two great grandchildren, Lyriq and Levii, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him "PaPa" and fondly remember him attending their baseball, basketball, football games and birthday parties. They too shared many happy and memorable moments together. By profession, Raymond was a Master Barber. He became the Owner/Operator of the House of Hair in 1974. Raymond enjoyed being his own boss. He was truly a business entrepreneur. He was respected and admired by his co-workers. They valued his ability to connect personally with his patrons by being gracious and hospitable to everyone who came in the shop. Marcus Pope fondly reflects that he was thankful for the relationship shared with "Bo" and points out "He taught me, "what makes a Barbershop, a Barbershop." There camaraderie continued even after his retirement. In 2004, "Bo" was awarded the "Community Excellence Award." Raymond attended Colorado Christian Fellowship in Aurora and he also watched the Potters House of Denver online. He believed in the power of prayer and was thankful that he could communicate with the Lord in prayer. Raymond was a fun loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he loved attending the Denver Bronco's home games. He continued to enjoy other sports, walking in the park, skiing, and he enjoyed the beauty of Colorado's weather. He was the type of man, who was a friend to many and a stranger to none. He was a people person and loved talking about current events, sport events and listening to people and offering sound advice when asked. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know "Bo" was to love him. Raymond Jewells "Bo" Melon departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on February 20, 2016, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his Loving and Devoted Companion, LaVonna Givens; his four daughters, Brenda (Lonnell) Tyars, Narvell J. Melons, Nicole S. (Jody) Brooks all of Aurora and LaVon S. Givens of Denver; one son, William H. Givens of Aurora; two sisters, Margaret S. Mallory of Tampa, Florida and Adrienna J. (Benton) of El-Dorado, Arkansas; one brother, Willie (Betty) Melons "JR" of Colorado Springs, CO; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 2/24/2016 - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/27/2016 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 2/27/2016 - Following the Service Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO