Benny Morales

Services are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at West Main Baptist Church for Benny M. Morales, 2213 W. Grand Ave., Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Morales, 59, died Monday, December 20, 2010 at Heartland Nursing Center in Artesia.

Pastor Abelardo Bolanos and Jason Kraft will officiate at the services with burial at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Armando Perez, Aaron Perez, Leroy Coronado, Frank Morales, Richard Morales Jr, and Chris Morales.

Mr. Morales was born August 11, 1951 in Carlsbad, New Mexico the son of Frutoso Morales and Dominga Molina Morales.

On June 3, 1972 he was married to Erminda Perez in Artesia. He was a lifelong resident of Artesia. She preceded him in death Feb. 18, 2000.

He worked in the warehouse for Redman. He was a member of First Spanish Baptist Church, bowling leagues, church softball leagues, and was a musician with the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Maria Lopez, grandsons Mark and Joshua Bolanos.

Survivors include daughters Erica Morales of Artesia, and Elidia Bolanos of Artesia sisters Sophia Martinez of Artesia, Cecilia Morales of Artesia, Luisa Morales of Artesia, Maryann Cavazos of Loco Hills, and Rachel Morales of Artesia grandchildren Kailyn Bolanos, Dorian Bolanos, Mireya Chavez, Jailene Chavez, and Samule Chavez.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hearts for Africa, co West Main Baptist Church, 1701 W. Main St., Artesia, NM 88210.