Abdon M Melendrez Sr.

Abdon (Lonty) M. Melendrez Sr., loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great grandfather, passed away on February 26th, 2018 at the age of 91 at the Village of Northrise in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Abdon was born on July 30, 1926 in Vado, New Mexico to Sotero and Gerarda Melendrez. They were a family of 10 children, 6 brothers and 4 sisters. Abdon, as a young child, grew up fast; working side by side with his father Sotero in the farmlands. He was self-educated; home schooling himself in electronics, mechanical and refrigeration fields. In 1945, he was enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a Seaman Second Class, USN1 on the USS Enterprise (Cv6) during WWII for 2 years and was the Honorably Discharged. Upon his discharge he returned home to his family and met the love of his life (Josephine Garcia) and married her in 1947. They were happily married for 71 years. Abdon, worked on the Railroad for a brief period. He then worked as a lumber jack for M.R. Prestridge Lumber Co. in Sacramento, New Mexico for many years, until the logging camp shut down. He went on to work for the Tularosa Public School Systems for 33 years, where he retired as the Head Custodian at the Bent-Mescalero School; also performing maintenance duties where he received numerous awards for his years of dedicated service. Abdon enjoyed many hobbies which included playing the guitar, the piano, and singing with his brothers. He also enjoyed many outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, and reminiscing about his younger days and time spent in the military with his family and friends. His sisters have fond memories of him following their mother around singing to her while playing the guitar. He faithfully donated to the organizations of his choice; the Disabled American Veterans and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He is survived by his wife Josephine G. Melendrez of Dona Ana, NM, Abdon Melendrez, Jr. (Shirley), Las Cruces, NM, Lawrence Melendrez (Angie), Las Cruces, NM, Craig R. Melendrez (Rosemary) Albuquerque, NM, Donna L. Melendrez Coffman (Darren) Belen, NM, and Derrick L. Melendrez (Loretta) Las Cruces, NM. Also survived by his brothers, Isaac Melendrez, Paul H. Melendrez (Anita), sisters, Jesus Davalos, Natalia Silva (Jesus) and Francis Herrera, 10 grandchilren, 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren; plus numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Sotero and Gerarda Melendrez, his daughter, Nancy Urquidez, son, Frankie G. Melendrez, Sr., his brothers, Jacinto Melendrez, Santiago Melendrez, Apolonio Melendrez, and sister Nancy Mickow, niece Sandra Hultz and nephew Joe Larry Melendrez. A Rosary is scheduled for Wednesday March 7, 2018 at 9:30am at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:00am, and burial will take place at Dona Ana Cemetery. Funeral Liturgy Information
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 10:00am,
Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church

Address Not Available






Interment Location

Dona Ana Cemetery

601 Dona Ana School Rd
Dona Ana, New Mexico 88032