Manuel Gomez

Viewing is scheduled for Thursday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m , August 25th at Terpening & Son Mortuary, Friday, August 26th at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church a Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. with Funeral services immediately following at 10:00 a.m. for Manuel I. Gomez of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Gomez, 85, died Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

Fr. Martin Cornejo will officiate at the services. Burial with military honors will follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Isaiah Carrera, Lawrence Gomez, Jonath Gomez, Jacob Mendoza, Dominic Gomez, Jason Mendoza, Jeremiah Mendoza, Saige Soto, Abram Mendoza, Ashton Gomez, Andre Gomez, and Jorgie Avitia. Honorary pallbearers will be his sons-in-law Lalo Carrera, Luis Mendoza, Rick Mendoza, and Jorge Avitia.

Manuel was born May 15, 1931 in Lake Arthur, N.M.to Adolfo Gomez and Maria (Duarte) Gomez. He was a lifelong Artesia area resident.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as an active veteran. He was a combat medic with the 7th Infantry Division and among other awards, he was awarded a Purple Heart. In 1953 he transferred to the Army Reserves with the 104th Quarter Master division and continued to serve for another 37 years until retiring from the reserves as a Master Sergeant in July of 1990. A quote from one of his performance reviews while in the military, " SFC Gomez is a very aggressive worker who tries to exceed in everything he attempts. SFC Gomez has a deep interest in rifle matches and has contributed to the unit considerable experience and knowledge in the field of arms. He is an excellent NCO who consistently uses his ability to supervise subordinates and get the most of them." It went on to say the SFC Gomez constantly demonstrates professionalism in accomplishing his jobs and consistently displays the finest qualities of leadership, and his sincere concern for the welfare morale at all times.

On December 21, 1953, he married the love of his life, Susie Rodriguez in Artesia. They were married for 63 years.

Along with his service to our country, Manuel worked as the Culligan Man for Artesia for 18 years and then became the property manager of the Abo Apartments with Monarch Properties where he retired. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, a founding member of the Artesia Gun Club and helped build the firing range that is now used by FLETC. He was a member of the GI Forum and was the local family support coordinator during Desert Storm. Manuel was a member of the Army Rifle Team and won several awards during competitions. He continued to be a student of marksmanship and reloading and later became a mentor and leader in the ballistic industry. Manuel also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge of Artesia. He enjoyed to hunt, camp and fish and loved to dance with his love Susie. The qualities he showed during his military career carried over to his civilian life as he loved to listen, mentor, and spend time with his family and grandchildren.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; sister Alpidia Garcia; brother Adolfo Gomez, Jr., and his loving daughter Alicia Gomez.

Survivors include his wife Susie Gomez of the family home; children Sylvia Carrera and husband Lalo of Roswell, N.M., Armando Gomez of Artesia, Basilio Gomez of Artesia, Maria Mendoza and husband Luis of Artesia, Cory Mendoza and husband Rick of Artesia, Manny Gomez and wife Yvonne of Hobbs, N.M., Connie Avitia and husband Jorge of Artesia, and Rosie Soto of Dallas, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and siblings Ernest Gomez of Roswell, Arcelia Granado of Artesia, Sammy Gomez and wife Dominga of Roswell, and Joe Gomez and wife Mary of Ruidoso, N.M.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Terpening & Son Mortuary. Please remember Mr. Gomez at www.artesiafunerals.com.

Visitation

Terpening Son Mortuary
611 W. Grand Ave.
Artesia, NM  88210
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Service

Rosary

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
1111 N. Roselawn Ave
Artesia, NM  88210
Friday, August 26, 2016
9:30 a.m.

Funeral Mass

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
1111 N. Roselawn Ave
Artesia, NM  88210
Friday, August 26, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Twin Oaks Memorial Park
59 Lake Arthur Highway
Artesia, NM  88210