Tom Vigil, age 86 of Springer, NM a devote Catholic went to be with our Lord on February 19, 2015. He was born November 5, 1928 in Wagon Mound, NM, to J.B. and Carlota Vigil. He married Eloisa Sedillo on November 8, 1952, in Wagon Mound, NM. From this union 3 daughters were born.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Eloisa of 63 years, 3 daughters, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted father of: Pam (Ronald) Seidel, Dorine (David) Gutierrez and Anita Vigil. He was a very proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren: Ronnie and Amy Seidel, Matthew Seidel, Diana and Javier Escalante, Leona and Shane Haver, Keith and Veronica Gutierrez and Amanda Gutierrez; and 8 great-grandchildren, Veronica, Nikolas, Kane, Ellyanna, Brinley, Abel, Jeramiah, and Kyleigh.
He is also survived by brother Johnny (Rosa), sisters Nancy (Joe) and Amalia. Brothers and sisters-in-law Alvin and Mary Sedillo, Elsio and Judy Sedillo, Isidro and Pat Sedillo, Gilbert and Arcelia Lopez, Eva Garcia, Mary Vigil and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents J.B. and Carlota Vigil, brothers Felipe, Gilbert, Guillermo, Domingo and sister Colastica.
Tom graduated from Wagon Mound High School in 1946. Upon graduation, Tom enlisted into the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS Yancey during the Korean War. Upon his return, Tom joined the American Legion and was a very active member in the local chapter. After serving his country he attended a trade school in Albuquerque NM, then returned to northern NM with Eloisa, where they lived and began their family. He also had a love for cars and became an auto body man and upholster. In time, Tom and Eloisa built their own body shop formerly known as Tom’s Trim & Repair. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, wood craftsman and carpenter who designed and built the altar/podium currently in use at St. Joseph’s Chapel.
Tom was a member of the Springer Fire Department for 37 years. He worked his way up the ranks and became the Fire Chief for 33 years until he retired. Through his love of being a fireman he trained and guided many younger generations. His love of family, community and the outdoors kept him very active throughout his senior years.
Visitation will be Monday, February 23, 2015 from 4PM-6PM at Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton, NM.
Rosary will be Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 10AM at St. Joseph’s Church in Springer, NM, with the funeral mass following. Interment will follow at the Springer Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Ronnie Seidel, Matt Seidel, Keith Gutierrez, Shane Haver, Anastacio Balderas and Eddie Lopez.
Honorary Pallbearers are Gilbert T. Lopez, Alvin Sedillo, Elsio Sedillo, Con Gutierrez, Dan Vigil, Sam Roy and Laudente Quintana.
Arrangements and celebration of love are under the direction of Yaksich-Long Funeral Home.
**On behalf of Tom Vigil’s family we would like to thank our family, friends and members of the community for your overwhelming generosity of flowers, food, cards, money, thoughts and prayers. Your caring compassion and kindness is greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to Miners Colfax Medical Center doctors, nurses and staff for their compassionate care which was given to my husband/father.
We would also like to thank Yaksich-Long Funeral Home.
Also, a special thanks to Springer Fire Department, Philmont Fire Department, Springer Ambulance, American Legion (local chapter), VFW from Raton and Honor Guard from Santa Fe.
