Crescencio Archuleta, 81, of Springer passed away at his residence on Friday, January 24, 2014. He was born in Wagon Mound on June 3, 1932 to Felix Archuleta and Febronia (Pino) Archuleta. While in Wagon Mound he met the love of his life, and eventually moved to Springer in 1960. Crescencio was a veteran serving in the Korean War in which he was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a long-time employee of the New Mexico Boys’ School, retiring in 1988 after 27 years of service. Crescencio made many friends through his daily activities at the Springer Senior Citizen Center and was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church. In his spare time, Crescencio was a dedicated rancher, he enjoyed singing northern New Mexico rancheras while accompanying himself on the guitar and harmonica, and prior to the drought was known for his lively gardens.
He is preceded in death by his father Felix Archuleta, mother Febronia Archuleta, sister Cleo Martinez, and niece Cleo Ann Valencia.
Crescencio is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Mary Lou Archuleta; three sons Donald Archuleta of Raton, Crescencio “Chris” Archuleta Jr. and wife Deborah of Raton, and Michael Archuleta of Springer; three daughters Cecelia Montoya and husband John of Raton, Angela Sierra and husband Gene of Albuquerque, and Michelle Archuleta of Rio Rancho; ten grandchildren Celina Apodaca and husband Jimmy, Erika Lucero and husband Gabe, Cassie Martinez, Daniel Sierra, Christian Martinez, Estevan Tapia, Connie Martinez, Adam Tapia, Jared Sierra, and Natasha Archuleta; four great-grandchildren Audriana Apodaca, J.J Apodaca, Liliana Lucero, and Jaycee Apodaca.
Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springer on Friday, January 31, 2014 beginning at 10am with the Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, immediately followed by the Burial Mass at 11am. He will then be laid to rest at the Springer Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home of Raton.
