He was born to the late Jim and Candelaria Gallegos on October 16th, 1926, to a family of 7. Where his family lived in a small Village in Cimarron New Mexico.
He was in the military where he served over 20 years in the Army National guard. He also served in the Korean war where the military discharged him as a disabled veteran.
He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s St Patrick Church in Raton New Mexico where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a mayordomo, and served every Sunday as usher. There was never anything that kept him from his faith. No matter where he was, he always attended Sunday mass at any available Catholic Church.
He graduated from college as a barber where he cut hair here in Raton at Carlo’s Barbershop for many years. He would also do house calls where he went to numerous people’s houses to cut their hair.
He then pursued his college degree as an auto mechanic major where he graduated at the age of 48.
One of his biggest dreams was to finish high school and he did just that. He did everything he had to do to receive his High School Diploma. We(his family) are happy to say that our Father Herman C. Gallegos graduated from Cimarron High School as a Ram in 2007 at the age of 80. We were all very proud of our Dad and will continue to brag about his accomplishment long after his passing. “Go Dad you Rock”.
He had many hobbies that he loved to do. He spent many countless hours at La Mesa Park where he loved to try his luck on betting on horse racing and watching his son Herman Jr. ride to win as he was a jockey at La Mesa Park. When La Mesa Park closed, he would go to the Trinidad fairground to simulcast. Not often but every once in a while, he would go to Pueblo Colorado to try his luck at the dog track. He also loved to spend quality time with his family where he enjoyed playing horseshoes with his kids and grandkids at family functions. One of his other hobbies was playing pool with his sons and daughters. He was one heck of a pool player.
He volunteered his time to the community of Raton where he did senior companionship. He would go to the old miner’s hospital and spend time with the retired miners. He would also go to the senior citizen center where he would also go spend quality time with the seniors. He also would drive the VA van to Albuquerque where he would accompany disabled veterans to their appointment and return then safely to their homes. It wasn’t till his passing that friends and colleagues contacted the family. One person in particular Mrs. Remy Garcia where she shared with the family that Herman was a Legend of Raton and would forever be a Legend to Raton.
Herman was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Mrs. Josephine L. Gallegos.
His parents Jim and Candelaria Gallegos. His daughters Lynn Battenburg and Theresa Madrid. His grandson Steven Gallegos and great-grandson Armando Gallegos. His son in-laws Harry Battenburg and Jordan Smith Gallegos.
His brothers Jesse Gallegos, Jim Gallegos, Jake Ortiz, and Raymond Ortiz. His sister are Sadie Romero and Jenny Romero.
He is survived by his children Steve Gallegos of Denver Colorado. Barbara Gallegos Chavez of Trinidad Colorado, Josephine aka Totie Gallegos of Pueblo Colorado, Sandra Gallegos of Trinidad Colorado, Nick (Gina) Gallegos of Raton New Mexico, Herman Gallegos Jr. of Pueblo Colorado, Elaine Gallegos of Trinidad Colorado, Jackie(Melinda) Gallegos of Syrup Oklahoma, Stephanie Gallegos of Denver Colorado, Jim Gallegos of Raton New Mexico and Amaranda Gallegos of Denver Colorado.
He is also survived by 48 Grand Children, 113 Great Grand Children, and 3 great great Grand Children.
Son in law’s Robert aka Bob Martinez of Pueblo Colorado, Louis Chavez of Trinidad Colorado
Daughter in law’s Denise Romero of Raton New Mexico and Sue Ronquillo of Trinidad Colorado.
He is also survived by his Nephew’s, Niece’s, Cousin’s, and many friends and colleagues of Raton New Mexico.
Herman will be greatly missed by Family and Friends Near and Far.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s/St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton, NM, with the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Bill Woytavich as the Celebrant. Rite of Committal and Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements for Herman C. Gallegos are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
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