Lewis Reyes Vigil, Jr. “Punkin”, AGE 71, DIED Sunday, November 17, 2013 at his home in Clayton, New Mexico.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held Friday night at Hass Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The celebration of his life will begin at 1:00 pm MST with The Rosary led by Deacon Louis Montoya. At 2:00 pm, Mass of Christian Burial will by conducted by Father Joel Bugas. Burial will follow at the Clayton Cemetery and the family will gather together at Hotel Eklund following services. Arrangements are under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico. Please visit www.hassfuneralhome.com to view the online obituary and sign the guest book.
BACKGROUND: Fondly nicknamed and known to family and Clayton friends, “Punkin” was the first of six children born to Ione (Reed) and Lewis R. “Red” Vigil. He was born in Santa Maria, California, but the family was native to the Clayton area. His mother’s family came to the area with the Santa Fe Trail, while his father’s family were ranchers near Bueyeros and who were direct descendants of the original successful 1695 Spanish settlers of the New Mexico territory, Juan de Jesus Montes Vigil. Punk spent his childhood playing baseball and concentrating his historical interest on WWII, its military personnel, campaigns, tanks, ships, and especially its airplanes. Until the time of his death, Punkin’s memory was sharp as a tack; he hardly ever forgot a name, date, or even the tiniest details of the people throughout his studies, experiences, politics, or of his family and friends. He played many roles in his life, spending several years as a New Mexico National Guardsman. As the last active true sign painter in Clayton beyond Dudley Perrett – his mentor, Lewis designed and painted many business signs in the area. Among those was Union County Leader’s sign and header. And I bet you didn’t know that Lewis was the creator and artist of the famous red, white, and blue XIT logo which is instantly recognized across Texas and neighboring states. He transitioned into new areas of art that sent him back to school and kept him on his knees—he began to paint gym floors all over New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He was widely regarded as “the best of the best.” He definitely was a man whose life was defined by his work! Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Ione, and by his partner of many years, Dottie Scoggins. Punkin will be remembered by all for his quick wit, helpfulness, and affable smile. He’s gonna be missed, folks. He’s gonna be missed!
SURVIVORS:
1 AUNT: Nellie Reed Will of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
5 SIBLINGS: Jerry R. Vigil and his wife Pam of Albuquerque, Cheyrl Archuleta and her husband Joe of Rolla, Kansas, Jo Beth Vigil-Price and her husband Carl of Clayton, Annette Vigil and James Dominic of Pojoaque and Jeannette Barras and her husband Keith of Los Alamos.
2 SONS: Matthew Vigil of Amarillo and Mark Vigil of San Antonio.
2 DAUGHTERS: Marissa Broyles and her husband Richard of Amarillo and Mary Tess Vigil of Amarillo.
Nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and too numerous to mention by name, there are many, many cousins, nephews, and nieces whom he knew and loved.
