Ismael Perez

Ismael Perez, 71, beloved Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on November 15, 2020.

Ismael was born to Juan and Porfiria Perez on September 25,1949 in Artesia, NM. He was the seventh of thirteen children. Ismael attended Atoka School in grades K-2, and then he moved into town and continued his education until he graduated from Artesia High School in 1968. He was a proud Artesia Bulldog Football Champion in 1966 and 1967. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Sammy Perez, Pablo Perez, Johnny Perez, and Armando Perez; and sisters Antonia (Toni) Galindo and Emma Cervantes. Surviving siblings include Martin Perez, Domingo Perez, Felix Perez, Lupe Salmon, Dora Martinez, and Olga Cortez, all of Artesia; in addition to numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

In December 1968, Ismael married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Ida Luevano Perez who survives him. Together they raised three children. He is survived by daughter Tina Perez and son-in-law Dwayne Oliver; daughter Marina Perez; and son Ismael (Sonny) Perez Jr.; grandsons Michael Perez and Marcus Oliver; and granddaughter Mia Oliver; great-granddaughters Miracle Perez and Mireya Perez; and great-grandsons Michael Perez Jr.; and Mason Perez.

Ismael was a devoted husband and a family man. His family was the center of his world. He was very involved in the "softball scene" when his girls were growing up. He was thrilled when his grandchildren began "Bulldog Sports." He loved attending their events, and he never missed a game be it football or basketball. He especially loved being a part of their traveling teams, Gus Macker Basketball, and Hike-It-Spike-It Football. Ismael loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their friends. He enjoyed grilling for them and talking Bulldog sports with them. Ismael's house was always the hang out place for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their friends. A favorite pasttime was hosting pool parties for "his kids."

Ismael loved to feed people! He made sure that his family always had good food to eat, but he also fed his co-workers, his friends, and even the homeless. His George Foreman Grill was a fixture at Navajo Refinery where he was a Division Foreman in the South Crude Unit. He loved to appreciate his employee's hard work, especially during "shut down," with 2-pound burgers or a nice juicy steak! His family says that when they vacationed, it was very common for him to buy meals for the homeless. His generosity did not go unnoticed.

Because of the current circumstances in our state, a memorial service has not been scheduled. There will be no visitation as Ismael's wishes were to be cremated. The family wishes to hold a private memorial when state regulations have been lifted. They will notify family and friends personally.