John Lynn Rife

Funeral services for John Lynn Rife, 81, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Torrington, Wyoming, with Julie Newman officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Valley View Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Colyer Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., and the casket will be open at the church prior to the service. John passed away on October 9, 2025, in Torrington, Wyoming. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com. John was born on November 1, 1943, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Ted and Gladys (Harris) Rife. He graduated from Torrington High School, where he ran track and earned numerous medals and awards. In March 1963, John enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam as a Hawk Missile Pulse Acquisition Radar Technician. He received several honors, including the Sharpshooter Medal (Rifle M-14), the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1965 and served in the Army Reserves until 1969. After returning home, John attended Eastern Wyoming College and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. His career as a Mechanical Engineer with Texas Instruments reflected his lifelong love of learning and innovation. Known for his inventive mind, he earned multiple patents and was widely respected for his skill as a designer, welder, and problem solver. On November 17, 1960, John and his friend Jeris were “dragging Main” in his 1955 Studebaker when he saw Sharon Kay (Brown) walking with three of her friends. One of the girls called out, “John!” and he stopped the car in front of the bowling alley. He called out to Sharon, and they began talking. Before long, he asked if they would like a ride in his car. That first conversation led to their first date — a hayride with the Baptist Youth Fellowship. From that evening on, John and Sharon saw each other often and quickly became high school sweethearts. They loved dancing and going to football games, building a bond that only grew stronger with time. After John enlisted in the Army, the couple became engaged on September 9, 1963, and were married on June 1, 1964, at the First Baptist Church in Torrington. Their honeymoon doubled as a trip to Fort Bliss, Texas, where John was stationed. Following his military service, John and Sharon returned to Torrington to complete their studies at Eastern Wyoming College, then moved to Laramie, where they both earned bachelor’s degrees — John in Engineering and Sharon in Education. The couple eventually settled in Dallas, Texas, where John began his career with Texas Instruments and Sharon taught business at Richland Junior College. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, hard work, and love. They were blessed with two children, Shawn Edward and Shanna Britta. Together they founded Rife Enterprises, LLC, followed by Rife Vineyards, the first certified organic vineyard in Texas. In 2017, John and Sharon moved to Falcon, Colorado, where they continued their business ventures while embracing time with their growing family. John’s passion for learning never faded. In his later years, he found immense joy in sharing projects with his grandchildren and his son, Shawn. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, or teach a new skill. His unique talents, encouragement, and laughter made every “crazy project” better. He loved helping others thrive, learn, and grow — and that was one of his greatest gifts. He also cherished visiting his daughter Shanna and her family, enjoying their shared love of travel, hiking, gardening, museums, and adventurous food. Above all, John delighted in watching his grandchildren grow up — taking pride in their education, creativity, and accomplishments. His curiosity and joy were contagious, and his legacy lives on through each of them. John is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Sharon Kay (Brown) Rife; his sister, Donna (Mike) Vick; his son, Shawn Edward (Tania) Rife; his daughter, Shanna Britta (Vinnie) Mellnick; and ten beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Gladys Rife. John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his joyful heart, and his generous spirit. He lived life with curiosity, laughter, and purpose — always eager to lend a hand, share his knowledge, and celebrate the people he loved most. His legacy of devotion to family, service to others, and steadfast love for the Lord will continue to inspire all who knew him.

John Lynn Rife

November 1, 1943 - October 9, 2025