John 'Johnny' Keith Demas
September 13, 1929 ~ August 25, 2017
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
John 'Johnny' Keith Demas, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday August 25, 2017, at home. John was born to Greek immigrant Tom Demas and Helen Demas on September 13, 1929, in Pueblo. He is survived by his companion of 28 years, Mary Orf ; children, Kelly (Jim) Patton, Karen (George) Caldwell, Joni (Jim) Wolfe, John Demas Jr.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his extended family, who he cared for deeply, Scott and Gina Orf and their children. Preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kim Griego; and the mother of his children, Dolly Demas.
John owned one of the first Standard Oil Stations in Pueblo which lead him into the salvage yard business. He owned and operated Demas Auto Parts on 4th Street and later moved to Demas Truck Parts on Gary Ave, for more than 33 years. After he sold the salvage yard, John and Mary opened Avanyu Southwest Arts on Union Avenue which specialized in Native American Jewelry. They operated the store until John retired at the age of 80.
John was an award-winning silver smith and very accomplished pastel artist. He was a member of the Pueblo Jaycees, Pueblo Rock Hounds, Pueblo Art Guild, Union Avenue Historic District, and worked tirelessly in the establishment of an art center in Pueblo which is now known as Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. John truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends, family, and anyone he met along the way. In his later years, he found great joy in the garden he and Mary created together, it was also home to some of his creative, life-size, Kachina metalwork.
Family, friends, and others whose lives John touched are invited to a celebration of his life, Gold Dust Saloon on Union Avenue, September 6th, 2017, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, to reminisce John's life. In lieu of food or flowers, donations may be made to Saint John's Greek Orthodox Church, 1010 Spruce St., Pueblo, CO 81004. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I just loved John, he was one of my favorite people to talk to. Dickie was very fond of him also, he always talked highly of him. God bless all of you, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce Trontel