In loving Memory of Leroy Montoya

Leroy Montoya, age 76, of Clayton, New Mexico died on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, October 11th and Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 11th following the Rosary at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton with Fr. Joseph Baltz as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.

Leroy Joseph Montoya was born on July 1, 1946, in Clayton, New Mexico to Abe Montoya and Pauline (Sintas) Montoya. A lifelong resident of Clayton, Leroy graduated from Clayton High School in 1964 and married Katie (Aragon) Montoya on March 14, 1964. He worked as a grocer for Elliot’s Grocery and Ideal Grocery.  Leroy went on to Barber school and received his Barber’s License and was the owner/operator of his own barbershop. He also worked for DOW Chemical. Leroy then went on to work for the New Mexico Department of Transportation, where he was a Lieutenant and served as a District Supervisor until he retired. Leroy then owned and operated the Santa Fe Trail Steak House. He later went to work for the Clayton Public Schools as a bus driver, and also worked for the Clayton Lake State Park. Leroy was always very involved in his community; he served as a Trustee on the Clayton City Council and as President of the Clayton Lake Trout Derby. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where he was the Grand Knight.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Abie P. Montoya; 2 sisters, Rosella Padilla and Tricia Montoya and by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

SURVIVORS:

WIFE: Katie Montoya of Clayton, New Mexico.

2 SONS: Joey Montoya of Clayton, New Mexico, and Johnny Montoya and his wife Lucinda of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

6 GRANDCHILDREN: Joseph Montoya and his wife Sarah of Anchorage, Alaska; Anthony Montoya and his wife Malia of Lawton, Oklahoma; Nathan Montoya of Killeen, Texas; Zachery Montoya and Jared Montoya both of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Dyanne Montoya of Amarillo, Texas.

2 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Skylar Montoya and D.J. Montoya.

BROTHERS & SISTERS: JoJo Talley, Tommy Montoya and his wife Lucine and Robert Montoya and his wife Joy all of Clayton, New Mexico, Frankie Montoya and his wife Connie, Florine Mestas and her husband Charles, Christine Godinez and her husband Mark and Vera Garcia and her husband Steven all of Amarillo, Texas, Rosie Miller and her husband Joe of Bushland, Texas and Paul Montoya and his wife Jeri Ann of Springfield, Colorado.

SISTER-IN-LAW: Lupe Montoya.

BROTHER-IN-LAW: Jake Padilla.

And numerous nieces and nephews.