Allen Gordon Phelps passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, after a valiant two-year battle with Stage IV Renal Cell Cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends.

Al was born in Amityville, New York, in 1943. He excelled in sports, especially baseball and speed skating.

At age 18, he joined the United States Air Force. He attended boot camp at Langley Air Force Base, where he fell in love with Colorado. He spent 18 months in Japan, where he learned Japanese. He was an excellent marksman and earned his Small Arms Instructor certification.

When his tour ended, he and his Air Force buddy, Don Mosley, returned to Colorado and settled in Central City. Together, they camped in the mountains and maintained a registered placer mining claim. On weekends, they would wear their cowboy hats and boots, complete with six-shooters on their hips. They made extra money posing for tourists who wanted to take photographs with them.

In 1969, he married Charlene Waterman. Together they had two children, Allen Jr. and Barbara Ann. He loved four-wheeling and spent many happy times in Moab, Utah. He was an avid supporter of his son Allen's football activities and his daughter Barbara's volleyball career. He ran the chains at Demon football games for many years. He was also an avid hunter and golfer.

In 1990, he married the love of his life, Cyndi Gilliland, whom his coworkers at US West nicknamed "Sweetie." That is how Al affectionately referred to her throughout their marriage. He adopted her daughter, Nikki, thus completing their family.

Al retired from US West after 37 years of service, which included climbing poles and working as a data specialist for the 911 system and other telecommunications operations. He was part of the security detail that helped coordinate security during President Ford's visit to Durango.

Al was also a past Commander of VFW Post 4031 and a lifelong member of Durango Elks Lodge 507, where he held many offices over the years.

Al loved his children beyond measure and was a devoted father and grandfather. He adored his wife, Cyndi, and cherished their 36 years together.

He is survived by his children, Allen Gordon Phelps Jr. (Luci), Barbara Sutherland (David), and Nikki Beery (Mike); grandchildren Conner Bass, Payton Sutherland, Ericka Sutherland, Trista Sutherland, Rylan Beery, Cameron Beery, Austin Short (Echo), and Maddi Phelps (Garrett); and great-grandchildren Malakai Short and Brielee Short.

He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved very much, as well as special friends who walked beside him throughout his cancer journey: Hugh and Janalee Hogan, John Schaefer, and his sister- and brother-in-law, Lori and Jamie Haukeness.