Orlando Roger Cordova (Orlie)
January 09, 1964 – February 6, 2022
Orlando Roger Cordova “Orlie” of Tucumcari, NM passed away at home with his partner Teresa, by his side on the evening of February 6th, 2022, after a short illness. Orlando was born January 9TH, 1964 in Springer, NM to the late Donaciano and Lucy Archuleta- Cordova. He was preceeded in death by brother Fred Cordova, 1 great-nephew Derek Nolan and one great niece, Elena Nolan.
Orlando is survived by his companion, Teresa Hurst of Tucumcari, NM. 3 brothers, Charlie Don Cordova and companion Dorothy Martinez of Tucumcari, NM, Eddie Cordova and Wife Priscella Ortiz of Raton, NM, Gary Cordova and companion Teresa, of Tucumcari, NM and one sister, Stella Trujillo and husband Tony, of Tucumcari NM and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
Orlie grew up most of his life in Miami, NM and attended Springer Schools where he graduated in 1981. In 1988 he moved with his parents to Springer where he was their live-in caretaker for the remainder of their lives. In September 2007 his mother became ill and needed additional support at home, and since most of the family were in Tucumcari, they relocated there to be closer to family and for the last 15 years, he made Tucumcari his home. It was there that he met Teresa, his companion with whom he lived with until he was called home. He worked at various businesses throughout his time in Tucumcari including Route 66 Diner, Russell’s Truck and Travel Center, and Molina’s Car Wash. Although Tucumcari was his home for many years, and he met some really great people there, Orlie’s heart and soul always remained in Springer and his love for Northern NM never ceased! While in Springer he worked hauling hay for Jesperson’s Trucking and Variety Store, at the sawmill in Cimarron and many other odd jobs around town. When Orlando was not at work he spent his free time outside, walking the trails around his neighborhood, spending time with family and conversing with friends. One of Orlie’ favorite past times was his love of fishing and camping in Cimarron Canyon and Villa Nueva, NM with his brothers Gary and Eddie and nephew Andy.
Orlie had a big love for NM Spanish music and was quite the dancer. He loved dancing and partying so much nothing could stop him from participating. One Christmas in 1985 Miami had 4 feet of snow, and he thought “what better time it was to take the new fire truck for a spin…literally. Orlie never missed a beat because there wasn’t anything that was going to keep him from going. He never asked or complained about anything or anyone!!
Orlie loved socializing with everyone and found conversation anywhere he ventured. Orlie was an avid pool and horseshoe player in his younger years, often participating in many area tournaments with his Best Friend, Travis. He had a big love for the Dallas Cowboys. During game season Orlie did not go outside much! Orlie had a good relationship with everyone and did not have any enemies, except if you count Pastor. He made friends wherever he went for he was a kind, gentle-hearted, trustworthy person who always had a joke to crack or a make-believe story tell. You never knew what he was going to say next!
Orlie will be missed by everyone who got the opportunity to know him. What joy it is to know that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and with all those who have gone before him. WE LOVE and going to miss you Uncle Orlie.
A Memorial Service will be held at his graveside on the morning of March 12, 2022, AT 11:00 am at the Sweetwater Cemetery, in Agua Dulce, NM. Deacon Edward Olona, officiating, and Music by Albert Chavez, Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers include his nephews, Gilbert Romero, Paul Nolan Jr, Glenn Nolan, Andy Cordova, and Issaac Ortiz; cousins Chris Chavez and Ronald Archuleta and all other great-nephews, nieces, and cousins too numerous to mention.
The family of Orlando Cordova will be gathered at the home of his nephew Glenn in Springer, NM at 901 Colbert Ave. beginning Friday afternoon March 11, 2022 until Service time on Saturday March 12. All family and friends are welcome.
ARRANGMENTS ARE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe, NM
