Longtime and well-known Alamosa resident Darrell Joseph Meis, 64, died Oct. 24, 2023, at his home in Alamosa after a 2-year battle with cancer. Upon his diagnosis, Darrell attacked his challenge with positivity, humor, and courageousness. 

Darrell’s life began in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 1, 1958; the son of Eldon Meis and Agnes (Grande) Meis. He married Kim Buron on June 6, 1981, in Denver, Colo., and their marriage was sealed in the Denver Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Feb. 26, 1994.

Darrell is survived by his wife Kim of the family home; his father Eldon Meis of Federal Heights, Colo.; his children DJ (Megan) Meis of St. George, Utah, (children) Trey, Pace, Sawyer, Bronx, Sway; Brandon (Brittny) Meis of Albuquerque, N.M., (children) Reese, Zander, Tatum, Hattie Mae; Ashlee (Michael) Meis-Trujillo of Alamosa, Colo. (children), Ilexya (Eddie), RJ, Damian, Zaryah; Jesse (Eva) Meis of Plano, Texas; (child) Ciao Meis, and great-granddaughter, Leah. He is also survived by his brother Norman (Stephanie) Meis of Parker, Colo.; sister Ginny (Ron) Seyfer of Arvada, Colo.; his mother-in-law Pamela Buron of Alamosa; brother-in-law Otto (Cammie) Buron of Albuquerque, N.M.; sister-in-law Tracy (Werner) Hahnlein of Albuquerque, N.M.; Kelly (John) Francis of Redondo Beach, Calif.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Darrell was preceded in death by his mother Agnes, and several aunts and uncles.

As a kid, Darrell loved all sports; especially football. As a teen at Pomona High School, he participated in football, basketball, and track. He was a standout athlete, but his passion was football. Darrell was recruited to play football at Adams State College, where he was a four-year starter. His senior year his team won the RMAC League Championship and played in a postseason bowl game. They finished their season ranked No. 10 in the nation. His 1980 team was inducted into the ASU Hall of Fame in 2016. When at Adams State, he met his wife, Kim; they shared 42 years of marriage. Upon graduation from Adams State, he started a 41-year football coaching career at Alamosa High School and Ortega Middle School where he had the opportunity to coach his sons and grandson.

Darrel was never shy of hard work, starting his first job at 16 with Purina Dog Food Company. Next, he worked for Rocky Mountain Fireworks for 5 years. With the knowledge he gained, Darrell became a licensed pyrotechnician. He coordinated and helped shoot off the Alamosa Fireworks Show for 40 years. Once married, Darrell started working for SLV Federal Bank as a loan officer. He then went on to be the Bookstore Director at Adams State College for 30 years. Upon retirement, he returned to SLV Federal Bank as a loan officer. Darrell was involved in the Alamosa Noon Lion’s Club, Alamosa City Parks and Recreation Board, and served in various church positions.

Darrell was always involved in his children’s lives and supported all their activities. Darrell’s passion for his grandchildren was evident in all that he did.

The family would like to thank Dr. Allen Cohn and his team at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center-Midtown, pulmonologist Dr. Majd Kobitary of PSL Hospital, and Hospice Del Valle of Alamosa.

Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 927 Weber Dr., Alamosa, Colo. If you would like to attend Darrell’s Celebration of Life, the family asks that you wear Denver Broncos colors or attire.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, remembrances, and words of comfort for Darrell’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.