Atilano Apodaca

Atilano A. Apodaca, 94, resident of Vaughn, New Mexico, passed away at his home, peacefully in his sleep, on January 3, 2007, gone to his eternal rest in heaven. “Having worked every day of his life, his heart just gave out,” his family stated. He was born on February 27, 1912, the year New Mexico became the 47th state, at Deramadero, Torrance County, NM. He honored and loved his parents, Moises and Apolonia Apodaca, since his youth, and God blessed him with long life. (Eph. 6:2,3). Of Spanish-Jewish descent, he leaves a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ, a passion for work, courage, strength and fortitude in any circumstance. He had a pioneering spirit instilled in him by his parents and grandfather, after whom he was named. This served him boldly in life. He got up at 4 a.m. every day, and was never sick a day in his life. He was a provider for his family and extended family. He was self-employed all of his life: farmer, builder, mechanic, carpenter, welder, heavy equipment operator. Woodworking and inventing things were his hobbies. He could build or fix anything. In his youth and young adult life he was called upon to build and supply coffins to the people at the ranch. At no charge to families, he willingly gave of his time and supplies. In the 1960s he had a recycling business and built a car crusher to demolish cars. People would come from miles around to see it and buy compressors and trailers that he built. Into his 80s he was still building compressors. Among so many work interests, how can we name them all? His family said. “Thank you Mr. Apodaca for instilling in your family a strong work ethic, and most important, for teaching us about your faith in Jesus,” his family wished to state. He is preceded in death by one daughter, Sarah Shepherd, and grandson, Abel Diaz. Survivors include his loving wife of 71 years, Clementita S. Apodaca of the family home. They were married on May 30, 1935. He is also survived by one son, Atilano Jr. (Elizabeth); daughters, Lorie Sisneros (Willie); Lee Zink (Larry); Shiloh Apodaca, Rose Apodaca, and Rebekah Giddens; 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Josephine Marez of Clovis. Funeral services were held on January 9, 2007 at La Iglesia del Nombre Jesus, the on-property chapel he and his wife built. His grandfather also built a Christian church, cemetery, a one room school house, and a sala, for community use on his ranch. The legacy of giving to God continues. (2 Chron 6:2, 18). Officiating Ministers were Rev. Michael Hernandez (grandson) of Albuquerque. The Eulogy was given by Michael Apodaca (grandson). Spanish hymns were sung by Rev. Gilbert Barela, of Texico, N.M., Robert Rivera and Cruz Marquez of Santa Fe, “Un Dia La Vez” being one of Mr. Apodaca’s favorites. Pallbearers were all the grandchildren. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn. “At the Lord’s coming I shall hear the sound and rise again. “For the trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Cor 15:52, I Thes. 4:16. “Done for the day.”