Frank G De La O

De La O Frank G. De La O, 59, of Dona Ana, NM died Thursday January 3, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at Mountain View Regional Medical Center. He was born December 15, 1948 in Dona Ana, NM to Aron and Esther De La O. Having a deep love and honor for his country Frank joined the U.S. Army in 1967, attached to the 101st Screaming Eagles, following combat wounds received in Vietnam he was transferred to Company C 2nd Armored Division Ft. Hood TX, 4th U.S. Army. While serving in Vietnam, Frank was awarded with Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal w/V device for heroism. Also he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, four Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart Medal. He also earned his Parachute badge, sharp shooter on M-14, expert on M-16 and Marksmanship with pistol. Frank was honorably discharged in 1970. After serving his country Frank still had a strong desire to help his fellow man, joining and graduating from the New Mexico State Police academy in 1972. Following graduation, now Officer De La O, was assigned to the Las Vegas district, including Springer, NM and Roy, NM. During that time he served in the SWAT Team. In 1981 Frank was brought back home to Las Cruces, NM. After serving 31 years of service he retired in 2003, with the distinguished senior Badge #1. Upon retirement, Frank devoted his life in helping raise his grandbabies, which he referred to as his "Angels", Rockelle, Angelea, and Jazmyn of Las Cruces, NM and "La Beauty" Ashlynn and sister Jenna of Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his wife of 36 years Rebecca Molina (aka La Pentagon) De La O of the family home. One son, Isaac De La O of Las Cruces, NM, two daughters, Jennifer De La O and (Jesus Gomez) of Las Cruces, NM; Richelle De La O and (Mike Lucero) of Albuquerque, NM and caring niece Yvette De La O of Las Cruces, NM. Also by three brothers, Ernie, Paul, and James De La O all of Las Cruces, NM; One sister, Nancy and husband Mike Montoya of Radium Springs and many nieces and nephews. Extended family Freddy Molina and Bea, David Molina and Terry, Ernestina Molina and mother in law Elvira B Molina. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Lee Garcia, Albert and Aaron De La O and sister-in-law Francis De La O. The prayer vigil will be held at 7pm, on Monday January 7, 2008 at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church 5525 Cristo Rey Dona Ana, NM 88032. Funeral liturgy will be at, 10am, on Tuesday January 8, 2008 also at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church with Fr. Miguel Macaya officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Dona Ana Cemetery. Serving, as pallbearers will be his son-in-laws and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be the New Mexico State Police. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in Frank's name to Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey Dona Ana, NM 88032 PDF Printable Version