Raymond L. Apodaca Jr.

Raymond L. Apodaca (Junior) October 11, 1929- May 30, 2006, passed away at La Posada, Mesilla Valley Hospice. Ray was born in Las Cruces to Raymond and Elisa Apodaca, pioneers of Las Cruces. He graduated from Las Cruces High School and was honored as greatest bulldog of that year. He then entered New Mexico State University on a basketball scholarship playing Aggie basketball from 1948 to 1952. His team was inducted into NMSU's Athletic Hall of Fame for the years '51 and 52'. Upon graduation from NMSU, in 1952, he was commissioned a second Lieutenant and served two years in the Korean Conflict. He later served with the 9th Special Forces Unit, A-Team where he retired from Military Service as Captain. In 1955 he was hired by Mesilla Valley Bank, which later changed to Farmers and Merchants Bank where he was a Vice President/Loan Officer. In 1973 he accepted the position as President of Cabrillo State Bank in San Fernando, CA. He later retired from banking and moved back to Las Cruces where he became involved in Real Estate. Ray loved sports and had a passion for his family. He lived a full life and touched everyone he came in contact with. Mr. Apodaca is survived by Sharon Apodaca of Las Cruces, his son Mike Apodaca and wife Jeannette of Las Cruces, son Steve Apodaca and wife Amanda of Santa Fe, New Mexico, daughter Hedie Apodaca of Las Cruces, and son Chris Apodaca of LA, California. Grandchildren Lisa and husband David Lafferty, Michelle and husband Robert Estrada, Sean Francis and Michael Apodaca. Great-Grandchildren Allyssa Estrada and Katherine Lafferty. His brother former Governor Jerry Apodaca, his brother the Honorable Rudy Apodaca and wife Nancy, and his sister Priscilla Provencio. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Elisa Apodaca and his sister Juliet Altamirano and husband Benny. At Ray's request cremation has taken place. A rosary will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Thursday June 1, 2006 at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday June 2, 2006 also at Holy Cross at 2:00 PM with Msgr. John Anderson officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at the Holy Cross St. Francis Columbarium with military honors. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 523-4700. PDF Printable Version