Charles Chaves Lontine

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Charles C. Lontine, on October 15, 2024 at the age of 92 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. 

Surrounded by his loving wife Wanda and immediate family, he was a man of immense passion, optimism, humor and faith who cherished a life well lived.

Charles was born in Loma, Colorado in 1932 and was adopted and raised in nearby Fruita, Colorado by his great aunt and uncle Noverto and Celestina Lontine.

 He was honorably discharged from The United State Marine Corp in 1953, reaching the rank of corporal and decorated with the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

 In 1960 he launched Mr. Charles Hairstyling (later known as Hair Attitude by Charles) which he owned and operated (later with his wife Wanda) for over 60 years.

 Dedicated to community and public service, he was appointed by then Governor John Love to The Colorado Parole Board in 1963, ran an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor in 1976 and remained active in politics throughout his life.

 He was co-founder of The Hispanic Republican Assembly in 1972, a member of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycee’s of southeast Denver), a Sunday School teacher at First Assembly of God in Denver and a founding member of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association.

 In retirement he fulfilled a passion as an educator by accepting a special assignment with The Denver Public School System teaching special needs students at Kepner Jr. High and South High School until 2010.

 In addition to being an exceptional artist whose works were featured at The Cherry Creek Arts Festival in the 1990’s he was also an avid musician who enjoyed playing the guitar and piano for family and friends during holiday gatherings.

 Charles is survived by his wife Wanda B. Lontine, grown children Valere (Bruce) Haring of New Mexico, Loree Keeble, Chuck (Susan) Lontine, Clarice Bonzer (ex-daughter-in-law), all of Colorado, and Rodney Lontine of Michigan.

 In addition to grandchildren Forrest (Amie) La Chapelle, Greyson Lontine, Richard (Sarah) Lontine, Lauren (Domingo) Flores and great grandchildren Shaun, Lola, Leonardo, Kalen, Chase, Leaf, Loring and Landon all of Colorado.

 Other surviving family members include brothers Richard (Leona) Lontine - Chavez, Edward Chavez and younger sisters Stella Ransier all of Colorado and Shirley Curry of Kentucky. A tribute to the Life of Charles C. Lontine will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado at 1:00 on November 27, 2024

 In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Firefly Autism in Lakewood, Colorado.