Walter J. Lucero

Walter J. Lucero, 52 of Las Vegas, NM died unexpectedly on August 22, 2011 at his home. He was born December 27, 1958 in Santa Rosa, NM the son of Desiderio I. Garcia and Jane G. Lucero. Walter attended schools in Santa Rosa, Las Vegas and Vaughn, NM. He worked on the family ranch in Pintada and also worked as a ranch hand for the Guinn and Bishop ranches in Guadalupe County. He worked as a heavy equipment operator in road construction, worked for the City of Santa Rosa and the City of Las Vegas. He worked in the maintenance department for Wal Mart in Las Vegas and most recently worked as a Home Health provider in Las Vegas. Walter also served as a Wild Land Firefighter for several years. He received his Automotive Repairs Degree from Luna Vocational Technical College in Las Vegas. Walter served in the NM National Guard with the 720th Unit in Las Vegas until 1984. He enjoyed arts and crafts and was well known for his wood work and the crosses he designed and created. He also enjoyed sketching, auto mechanics, hiking, and hunting for arrowheads. Walter is preceded in death by a son Walter Andrew Lucero; his maternal Grandparents Isidro and Elena Lucero; Aunt Esmeralda Romo, Uncle Eloy Lucero and a cousin Josefita Romo. Survivors include his mother Jane G. Lucero of Las Vegas; his father Desi Garcia of Albuquerque; three daughters Cassandra Lucero and husband Paul Carter of Albuquerque; Jolyn Lucero of Albuquerque; Lynette Castillo and husband Matthew of Albuquerque; three brothers Tony Garcia of Santa Rosa; Jose Harris and wife Wanda of Las Vegas; Patrick Garcia and wife Patricia of Albuquerque and a sister Teresa Byroad and husband David of Albuquerque. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and many friends. Rosary services will be held at 9:30 AM Saturday, August 27, 2011 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa with Deacon Marvin Marquez leading the prayers. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM from the church with Father Hyginus Anuta officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the NM National Guard will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in Pintada, NM. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, NM (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com