John Frederick Bolas Jr.

John Frederick Bolas, Jr. was born on March 17, 1923 to parents John and Alice Bolas in Omaha, NE. He died on May 9, 2017 in Denver, Co. He is survived by two of his three children, Jennifer and John, and five grandchildren, Shelby, Daniel, Justin, Madison, and Skylar.

At 11 years old, John moved to Denver with his parents and loving older sister, Laura. He began working for his father in the summers at 12 years old, even learning to drive a truck then. At 17 he graduated East High School in Denver. 

In 1943, John was drafted into the US Army and served overseas during WWII. He spent a large portion of his military service working on the supply line to aid the Soviets who were resisting the German invasion. He spent time in Iran and liked to tell stories of how he could get sunburnt just by walking across the street to where the shower was housed. John then served his remaining time in Europe post WWII until he came home in 1946.

In 1953, John began his own business named Central Paint. He became an extremely well-respected businessman in the Denver community.  In 1959, he married the love of his life, Verna Mae Gannon. That same year they purchased a home on South Locust Street in Denver. 

In 1960, John and Verna welcomed their first child, Cindy. Their second child, Jennifer, was born in 1962, and their last child, John, was born in1968. In 1980, John and Verna bought their last house together in Littleton, CO on South Clarkson Circle.

John particularly loved NASCAR racing and Denver Broncos football. He was especially close to his oldest grandchild, Shelby. He had several dogs throughout his life that he adored and who brought him much happiness.

He lost his beloved wife, Verna, in 1998. Tragically his oldest daughter, Cindy, died in 2012. We believe he has now joined them and his parents, sister, and close relatives. John was an amazing father, grandfather, and husband who will be missed dearly.
 

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