Juan "Leroy" Trujillo

Juan “Leroy” Epifanio Trujillo was born to his parents, Eva Padilla and Moises Trujillo on August 24, 1946, in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was one of six children born in the family and was raised with his siblings, Imogene, Jose “Joe”, Antonio “Tony”, Mary Anne and Albert. Leroy was remembered by his siblings as handsome, often compared to Elvis Presley because of his striking looks and signature hair. He loved fast cars from a young age and spent countless hours working on and racing them with his good friend Ernie Archuleta.

From an early age, Leroy marched to the beat of his own drum. He was known for doing things his own way. Leroy was educated through Pueblo Public Schools, where he attended East High School. He later enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country from July 25, 1967, until his honorable discharge on July 1, 1973. During his military service, he was stationed in Kentucky, Arizona, Washington, and Korea, a place he often described as beautiful. His service earned him the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marksman Badge, and Sharpshooter Badge.

The love story of Leroy and Ada Dolores DeHerrera began when Leroy’s younger brother Albert introduced them and Leroy invited Ada and Ida (twins) to go for a ride with him to see his dog’s puppies. After the first date, he gave Ada a donkey salt and pepper shaker that she thought was meant for her sister Ida. Leroy and Ada began dating soon after and they were joined in holy matrimony on September 3, 1977. They were married for 49 years, embracing a unity full of love, laughter, and adventure. They built a beautiful life, raising their family, operating Leroy’s Decorating Inc., traveling extensively, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Together, Leroy and Ada raised their sons, Justin Lee, Matthew Ruben, and Brandon Michael, and cherished Leroy’s eldest son, Gene Michael Allen. They also remember their angel baby daughter. Family was the center of Leroy’s world. Whether he was white-water rafting, skiing, fishing, exploring the Southwest, vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, or simply enjoying time together, he made every moment count.

Leroy was a hardworking man whose hands transformed houses into homes. He built a successful career as a painter, business owner, and craftsman. As owner of Leroy’s Decorating Inc. and former foreman with Tony’s Decorating, he earned the respect of the community, coworkers, and customers through his strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Leroy pursued his passions. He loved weightlifting, drag racing, buying and restoring cars, traveling, gambling trips with family, and spending time in Vail. He was a car enthusiast who shared this love with his children and grandchildren, passing along both knowledge and experiences. Whether teaching his sons and grandson to drive a manual transmission in his prized Cobra and/or beloved pickups, taking them on exhilarating rides, doing smoky burnouts, spending time together working out, or instilling in them a strong work ethic and skills they could always use in life, he created memories that will be treasured forever.

Known affectionately as “Grandpa” and “Pampo,” Leroy adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His grandchildren remember a man who was generous, adventurous, and deeply devoted to those he loved.

Leroy passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 15, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents and many beloved family members.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Ada Trujillo; his sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Heather Trujillo, Matthew and Laren Trujillo, Brandon and Krista Trujillo; Gene and Kris Allen; his grandchildren Jessica Harvey, Stephanie Conant, Michael Allen, Jehovanny Salazar, Destiny Trujillo, Mikayla Lucas, Keegan Hutchison, Airman Liam Hutchison, and Ava Trujillo; his great-grandchildren Azalea, Zinnia, Azaiah Salazar, Gracie Harvey, Maddie Conant, and Charlie Conant; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Anne and Dennis Anaya; and a large extended family who loved him dearly.

"His family will remember him as a strong, dependable man whose love, kindness, work ethic, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impact. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely."