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Colorado Springs Rod and Custom
Car Club

In Memory Of

Close Stan Destefan - Member Since 12/02/2014 Stanley Ray Destefan, 74 years old, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. He made his home in Colorado Springs. Stanley was born July 13, 1946 to Michael and Letha Destefan in Colorado Springs. Sergeant Stanley Destefan served as a telecommunications specialist with the 1956th Communications Group of the United States Air Force, stationed at Fuchu Air Station, Japan in the Vietnam War. More recently he was an electronics technician and technical writer at several companies in Colorado Springs, including Hewlett Packard. He is survived by his brother Dennis (Barbara), his cousin Susan Stillwell (Mike) and several cousins scattered across the country. He was preceded into eternity by his mother and father. He loved cars, owned a classic truck, and was an active member in the Colorado Springs Rod and Custom club. Stanley also had a passion for pipe organs and music and working on the instruments. He was a member of the Pikes Peak Area Theater Organ Society for 40 years. Stanley also sang for many years in the choir and several performances at Woodman Chapel. Stan Destefan's Cars - Engine Stan Destefan Has 1 Car Photos     Close Frank Gianzero - Member Since 10/19/2004 Frank Albert Gianzero, 64, died June 24, 2016 in Falcon, Colorado. He was born on October 29, 1951 in Yonkers, New York. He served four years in the U.S. Army, after which he met and married his wife of 39 years. Frank worked as a heavy equipment mechanic and retired from the City of Colorado Springs after thirty years, and worked part-time for eight years at U-Haul. He was a member of Colorado Springs Rod and Custom car club. He is survived by wife, Janice; daughter, Jennifer (Jeremy); three grandsons: twins, Jonathan and Jordan, and Jaxen; mother, Josephine; father, Albert; and many cousins and family members. Frank Gianzero's Cars 1947 Cheyv Pickup Green - Engine 1947 Chevy Pickup Green - Engine Frank Gianzero Has 2 Car Photos     Close Pete Gruitch - Member Since 11/01/1978 Pete was born January 24th, 1939, in Berwyn, Illinois to Zarko and Violet Gruitch. He was the third son, following brothers, Dick and Bob Gruitch. The family moved to Denver when he was just a teenager. It was there that he met Donna Lee Ladd on a blind date at age fifteen. Donna knew after their first date that she would marry this man, which she did so on August 15th, 1959. They went on to have 4 children: Denise (Rich) Anaya, John (Belinda) Gruitch, Mariessa (Clark) Bearden and Beth Gruitch (David Wright), 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Pete is survived by his brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Betty. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (54 years of marriage), his parents, his brother, Dick and sister-in-law, Judy. In the 60s, Pete moved his family to Colorado Springs, where he worked for the next 25 years at the First National Bank reaching senior vice-president status. Pete loved his family, but his true passion centered around his Hot Rods. Pete had an eye for clean lines, fast engines and all things cars! He was a charter member of the Colorado Springs Rod and Custom Car Club, a board member for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and owned a number of classic cars including the 55 Chevy Nomad. Other prize possessions included: Baby Huey the 41 fat fender Ford, a 356 Speedster, 32 Cabriolet, 29 Highboy Roadster, 32 5-window Ford Coupe, 50 Mercury, 40 Ford Coupe, 69 Karmann Ghia and various VW bugs, amongst others throughout the years. In 1989, he bought a house in Green Mountain Falls solely for the size of the garage. In his later years, Pete discovered the joy of international travel. He traveled to Eastern Europe with his children, Ireland and Hawaii with Julie, a good friend. He spent holidays and special occasions with his family in Texas, Arkansas, and Mexico. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A Reception is to follow. Pete Gruitch, age 84 passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A Reception is to follow. Pete Gruitch's Cars 55 Chevy Nomad White/Blue - Engine 502 Pete Gruitch Has 1 Car Photos     Close Harmon Jones - Member Since 01/01/1983 In Loving Memory Harmon Laverne Jones, 82, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away in his home on November 15, 2021. Harmon was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on September 5, 1939, to Harmon Laverne Jones Sr. and Alice Bernice Wright. Harmon married Sarah Mattison on October 28, 1960. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in October. On July 2, 1967, Harmon and Sarah opened A-1 Auto Salvage, which they owned and operated side by side until March of 1986. Harmon s dream was to open a street rod store, a store dedicated to selling parts for classic and antique automobiles. In March of 1986 he made his dream a reality when he closed A-1 Auto Salvage and opened A-1 Street Rods. Harmon truly loved what he did and went to work every day until his 82nd birthday. He enjoyed helping people and loved talking cars with the customers. Harmon was a member of Colorado Springs Rod and Custom Club for almost 40 years, and was a lifetime member of the NSRA, and Inliner s International. He was a well known and respected businessman and a wonderful husband and father. He will be missed beyond words. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter Sherrie Lynn Jones. Harmon is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughters, Debbra Jones of Denver, Katherine Brose of Colorado Springs; Grandchildren, Taygeta Jensen, Christopher Armstrong, Kaia Brose, Melissa Armstrong; Great-Grandchildren, Kaianne Jensen, Elliette Jensen, Everlee Jensen, Averiann Jensen. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday December 2, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church located at 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Arrangements are by Swan Law Funeral Directors. After the service the family is inviting everyone to A-1 Street Rods for refreshments, coffee, and cake. The family of Harmon L. Jones wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Colorado Springs Rod and Custom, Gene Musick, and Brian and Sandy Ford. Harmon Jones's Cars 1938 Chevy Coupe Black - Engine . 1938 Chevy Coupe Black - Engine . 1933 Ford Victoria Black - Engine . 1933 Ford Victoria Black - Engine . Harmon Jones Has 4 Car Photos     Close Larry Miller - Member Since 06/03/2008 LARRY JOE MILLER April 12, 1943 January 11, 2021 Larry Joe Miller, 77, of Colorado Springs, passed away January 11, 2021. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa on April 12, 1943, to Maynard Ervin and Alma Gertrude Miller. Larry went on to graduate from New London High School. In 1982 he met Ina Hendershott and married in 2005. Larry Joe Miller owned Larry s Barber Shop until his retirement in November of 2016. He was a member of Rod and Custom Car Club, Big Horn 4Wheel Drive Club and had a passion for tractors, cars and all things mechanical. He was preceded in death by his wife Ina Miller; father Maynard Ervin Miller; and sister Donna Morrison. He is survived by his son Michael C Miller (Verna) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter Annette Pater (Ed) of Arlington Heights, IL; mother Alma Gertrude Young; grandchildren Reid Miller, Anna pater, Erin Pater and Emily Pater; brother Brad Hamm of Unionville, MO; sister Kim McGuire of Raleigh, NC; and sister Sherry Dietrick of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Larry Miller's Cars Larry Miller Has No Car Photos

Close Ron Palmer - Member Since 11/01/1978 RONALD RON WILLIAM PALMER May 29, 1939 December 5, 2018 Ronald William Palmer went to be with his Heavenly Father December 5, 2018. He was born in Colorado Springs on May 29, 1939 to William and Louise Palmer. Ron graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1957. He married his high school sweetheart Joan Griffith on July 26, 1959. They had two children, Billy Palmer and Stacey Dulik. Ron owned his own business as a Master Home Builder. He had a deep love for his Lord and Savior, started a ministry with Street Rods, and was the Chaplain for Colorado Springs Rod and Custom Car Club. His family was very important to him, and he loved watching his grandson, Sean, and great-grandsons, Jonathan and Bennett, play hockey. Papa , as he was known, especially enjoyed going to the drag races with Sean, Christina and his great-grandsons. His great-grandson Tommy especially loved going to the rod runs with his Papa. The relationship Ron had with his grandchildren will keep his memory alive for generations. Ron Palmer's Cars 1927 Ford 2 Door Sedan Red - Engine Ron Palmer Has 1 Car Photos     Close Larry Purcell - Member Since 11/01/1978 William Larry Purcell passed away peacefully on July 21, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born August 7, 1932 in Levant, Kansas. Larry was 89 years old. Larry is survived by his wife Ardith, three daughters, one son, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Larry was an avid car enthusiast, and well known in the Colorado Springs street rod community. Memorial Service, 10:00AM, Monday, August 1, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Reception to follow. Larry Purcell's Cars - Engine Larry Purcell Has 1 Car Photos     Close Darrell Butch Tennant - Member Since 11/01/1978 Darrell Butch Robert Tennant March 29, 1940 April 30, 2022 Darrell Tennant (82) took his last breath on the peaceful spring morning of April 30, 2022. Though his passing brought immediate tears for the immense loss of the incredible man he was, subsequent days have brought much joy as the impact of his presence has surfaced and comforted those who loved him. Darrell (Butch) was born in Alamosa, Colorado to Bob and Leona Tennant. The oldest of three children, his family moved to Hastings, Nebraska after he was born to be closer to family. Upon graduating from high school, the Tennants moved back to Colorado when his dad took a Civil Service job at the United States Air Force Academy. After working briefly at Sears and a friend s dental lab, he was drafted into the Army in 1962. A communications specialist, Darrell was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas and spent 4 years serving honorably during the Vietnam War. After separating from the military, he resumed working at the dental lab until he partnered with his brother, Ronnie, in the flooring business. For the next 35 years, he worked in that industry while also pursuing his passion for customizing street rods. Building and restoring cars brought him great joy and nearly every weekend you could find him in a garage somewhere in town. In 2011, with the help of an amazing and generous group of friends, he finished what would be his last car - a 1928 Ford Model A pickup truck. Truly, its completion was a 20-year labor of love. In addition to his affinity for cars, Darrell also enjoyed membership in the Pikes Peak Depression Glass Club and the Colorado Springs Rod and Custom Club, as well as being on the chase crew of the hot air balloon Sweet Dreams . Loved by many, Butch s incredible sense of humor, generosity, skill at fabrication, attention to detail, affection for Western/Indian culture and artwork, and appreciation of antiques and collectibles will be fondly remembered. Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Leona Tennant, brother Ron, and sister Jeannie. He leaves behind three children he gladly inherited from a divorce, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. Services will be held at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery (3825 Airport Road) on Saturday, July 30th at 10:00 am. Darrell Butch Tennant's Cars 1957 Pontiac Safari Wagon Burgundy - Engine 347 Darrell Butch Tennant Has 1 Car Photos     Close Roy Williams - Member Since 02/01/1994 Roy Williams Roy Charles Williams, age 61, died on January 7, 2018 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born on April 28, 1956 to Charles Howard and Alice Laurene (Busby) Williams in Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Roy worked as an automotive mechanic and was a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs. Roy was a member of the Colorado Springs Rod and Custom Car Club. He also enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt. Roy is survived by his wife, Connie Jo Williams; a son, Scott Williams; two daughters, Julie Fields, and Mishelle Williams; and his two sisters, Darlene B. Crary, and Gail Olmsted. Roy Williams's Cars 1957 Chevy Station Wagon (Shorty) Black - Engine 1957 Chevy Station Wagon (Shorty) Black - Engine Roy Williams Has 2 Car Photos