Daniel (Danny) Rafael Herrera Sr. age 72 passed away on May 16, 2021 in Santa Fe New Mexico surrounded by his Loving Family.
Daniel was born on August 21, 1948 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Augustine M. Herrera and Nora E. Herrera. He is preceded in death by his Grandfather Vicente Herrera, Grandmother Genoveva Herrera, Father Augustine M. Herrera, Mother Nora E. Herrera, Brother Jimmy Herrera, Sister Elvira Peters, Sister Priscilla Herrera and Son Daniel R. Herrera Jr.
Daniel grew up in Las Vegas NM and graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1966. He was an outstanding athlete and lettered in Football, Baseball, Basketball and Track. He was also named one of the top 500 basketball players in the nation in 1966. Daniel always loved to tell stories about high school and his time playing sports for the Dons. One of his favorite quotes was “Once a Don, always a Don”. After high school, Daniel enlisted into the United States Air Force on October 19, 1967. He served our county for over 21 years and retired on February 28, 1989.
After retirement from the United States Air Force, he started a second career in at The New Mexico Boys School. Daniel worked as a Juvenile Correctional Officer and Recreation Director until his retirement in 2013. He really enjoyed working with troubled youth which gave him the opportunity to provide them with the tools to be successful in the community. Daniel had one of the best recreation programs at The New Mexico Boys School which he gave clients the opportunity to learn teamwork and be part of something positive.
Daniel loved working with young athletes from Springer, Maxwell and Roy. He also coached Football and Track along with his son Victor Herrera at Springer High School. Daniel was always willing help kids and loved to share life lessons with them. All the athletes he coached and helped had a very special place in his heart.
He was united in marriage to high school sweetheart Frances R. Herrera on August 11, 1969.
Daniel is survived by his wife Frances R. Herrera of the family home in Springer NM, Son, Victor Herrera and wife Athena Montoya-Herrera of Albuquerque NM, Daughter, Leslie Herrera and Fiancé Wilbert Romero of Rio Rancho N.M, his loving grandchildren, Talan R. Herrera, Daniel D. Herrera, Alexandra Archuleta and his grand-pets Brody and Nani. Also surviving is his Aunt, Florence H. Smith of Las Vegas NM, numerous cousins, brother in-laws, sister in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends who were all very special to him.
Funeral services will be conducted at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas NM on June 2, 2021 at 9:25 am and Interment will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors at 11:30am. Arrangements are under the direction of Riverside Funeral Home in Santa Fe NM.
Honorary Pallbearers are Anthony “Tono” Baca, Mr. Pablo Santistevan, Frank Rael, Anselmo Apodaca, Phillip “Peps” Montoya and David Montoya.
