Donald Maez

Donald Maez, 87, of Cheyenne, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife, son, granddaughter, and great grandson. He was born on December 30, 1936, and raised, in San Luis, Colorado, with his beautiful parents (Ida and Jacob Maez), his brother (Fred 'Lico' Maez), and 3 sisters (Louella Maez, Erma Maez, and Gladis Roybal).

At 20, Donald enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Cheyenne, where he met his sweetheart and love of his life, Rose in May of 1956. With the help of Rose's sister's daredevil ways, they fell in love almost at first glance, and were married on September 22, 1956.

In Rose, Don found a family that opened their arms and accepted him as one of their own. In each other, Don and Rose built a life that most only read about in storybooks.

For 68 years, Donald and Rose shared a true unwavering, unconditional love. A partnership built on kindness, sincerity, adventure, understanding, and compromise. The building blocks of the everlasting love that built a remarkable example of what it truly means to be family.

After an honorable discharge for the USAF, Donald worked as a heavy equipment instructor for FE Warren AF. During his time at FE Warren, he participated in Cheyenne Frontier Days as a volunteer. He loved taking his granddaughter on his float every year in the parade. After 30 years with FE Warren, Don retired in 1992.

He and Rose spent the next 32 years traveling as snowbirds to Las Vegas and Arizona. Don loved fishing with his son, Leroy, fixing cars with his son, Keith, Tuesday night sleepovers with his granddaughter, doting over his great grandson, and every moment, both good and hard, with his beautiful wife.

Donald was a gentle man of few words, that worked hard, did for others without expecting praise, and loved his family. He lived a life of kindness, generosity, and goodness.

He will be remembered for being a remarkable man that always did what was right, not what was easy. He is loved so dearly by those that were lucky enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife Rose Maez (Martinez), his son Keith Maez (Sandra Maez) of Cheyenne, his granddaughter Gina Maez-Howland (Logan Howland), and his wonderful great grandson Austyn Howland of Fort Collins, Colorado. He is also survived by brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews that loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving son, Leroy Maez, little great granddaughter, Emilee Rose Howland, his mother and father, little brother, and two little sisters.

Services will be held on Thursday October 10th at 11am at Wiederspahn Chapel of the Chimes and Funeral services to follow at 1pm at Cheyenne National Cemetery.