Life Legacy

Hector L. Murillo quietly made his journey to heaven on March 26, 2017, at his home in Las Cruces. A man small in stature but big in heart, Hector was born on August 15, 1933, in Fierro, NM to Francisco Murillo and Angela Loera. He grew up in Fierro, with his parents and two older siblings, Veva and Mundo. Hector attended Hurley High School where sandlot baseball was his favorite pastime (he was an amazing second baseman). In high school, he was invited to attend Boys' State and was involved in various activities such as Student Council (Treasurer), and Speech Club. He graduated from Hurley High School in 1951. In 1953, when his father became ill from years of working in the mines, the Murilllo family moved to Las Cruces. Hector had met Teresa Perez, the love of his life, during his teenage years in Grant County. She just so happened to be one of his best friend's sisters. When Hector decided to pop the question, he had to drive from Las Cruces to Santa Rita two separate times ask for her hand before he was given permission to marry! Hector and Terry married in Santa Rita in 1957 and started their family in Las Cruces. Hector worked as a bookkeeper and manager in the propane industry for many years but always knew the importance of a college education so he began classes in the 1960's, one course at a time. Several years and several kids later, Hector graduated from NMSU in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Hector retired in 1998 from the State of New Mexico as an auditor. Throughout his life, Hector was involved in various activities. He sent all four of his kids to Catholic school and when his girls were students at Immaculate Heart of Mary, he was very active with the school board where he served as School Board President more than once. In the years when he worked in the propane industry, he would donate the propane gas for the fiestas and bazaars for several local Catholic Churches. When time would come for the fiesta at IHM, he would volunteer not only the propane, but his family to run the hamburger stand (the burgers were legendary). Hector also served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Sun Country de Las Cruces from 1993-1995. After retirement, he served as a Eucharistic Minister at IHM. In his spare time, he loved watching baseball and attending the Cactus League Spring Training games with his grown kids. If Hector is remembered for nothing else, it should be for the dedication to his family; especially his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his four children: Frank P. Murillo of Las Cruces, Catherine M. Gonzales (Reggie) of Las Cruces, Maria Elena Rodriguez of El Paso and Veronica R. Acevedo (Alfredo) of Las Cruces; seven incredible grandchildren: Jonathan Murillo, Fernando Rodriguez, Jude Gonzales, Nicole Rodriguez, Hope Gonzales, Oliverio Acevedo and Joaquin (Kiko) Acevedo; his sisters Beatrice Moreno of Long Beach, CA and Julieta Smith of Las Cruces and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other beloved family members. Hector is preceded in death by the love of his life, Teresa Perez Murillo, who passed away unexpectedly in 1999 after 42 amazing years of marriage. Hector truly never got over the loss of Terry. He is also preceded in death by his father Francisco Murillo, his mother Angela Ayala, his sister Genoveva Hinojosa and his brother Sismundo Murillo. Visitation will be at Getz Funeral Home on Thursday, March 30, 2017, from 5-7pm. Rosary to follow at 7 pm. A funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 10 am. Very Rev. Bill McCann will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jonathan Murillo, Fernando Rodriguez, Jude Gonzales, Alfredo Acevedo, Reggie Gonzales and Michael Barraza. PDF Printable Version