In Loving Memory of Eugene S. (Gene) Rivera

Eugene S. (Gene) Rivera, Sr. was born in Springer, New Mexico, on March 14, 1943, to Juan and Lucy Rivera. He left this earth on May 19, 2024, in Cimarron, New Mexico. He was known by his family, friends and community as Gene, but by his family he was endearingly called “Hunkle Gene”, “Mr. Rivers”, “Gene Bean”, “and “Whole Pint”. You could always count on Gene to give a friendly wave or hello in community and would give help with no question.

Gene was a graduate of Springer High School and he attended Trinidad State Junior College earning an Associate Degree in Building Trades. Gene proudly served and retired from the Army National Guard for 23 years. He began his career at the New Mexico Boys School and retired after 25 years. Gene then worked for the Cimarron Housing Authority. In his spare time, you could find him in his shed working on beautiful leather crafts which included braided keychains, wallets and money clips.

Gene loved the mountains. He was an avid hunter, hunting elk, deer and turkey with his brother, and his dad. Gene especially loved camping with his family. He also enjoyed yearly RV trips to Puerto Penasco, Mexico, caravaning with family. Gene had a passion for New Mexico Spanish music. He had a great sense of humor, and an infectious laugh and had a good-natured spirit. He would also pull out his “macanundo box” and share a tequila shot with his friends and family.

Gene is survived by his wife Helen Rivera, sons Eugene Rivera and Anthony Rivera, step-daughters Terry Hayes (Ken) and her sons Jalen and Josiah and Lynette LeDoux-Aguilar and her daughter Kiahna, brother Johnny Rivera (Mary Jane), sister Theresa Armijo, sister Rita Beard and sister Madeline Sizemore (Jim) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Juan Rivera, mother Lucy Rivera and nephew Sammy Armijo and niece Patty Chavez.

Arrangements for Eugene S. (Gene) Rivera are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.