Ruben Leonard Banegas

Leonard was called home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005, to join his grandparents and relatives that had gone on before him. He was born Feb. 10, 1976 in Las Cruces to Al Banegas and Diane Duran. Leonard was a very special person right from the start. We knew the way he did thing was special. He had attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and had served as an altar boy. Leonard was an excellent student-always receiving A's or B's. He was the type of child that didn't need to study. If things weren't a challenge, he would quickly lose interest. During his early years through High School he played soccer, baseball and football. At 10 years old he played with the Conlee Colts and helped win the City Super Bowl that year. During his freshman year at Onate High School, he was given an academic letter. He played both baseball and football while at Onate. During his football days he would be a very competitive Back whether on offense or defense. When he was 9 years old he played with the Willie Mays Angels and was able to play in City, State, Regional and World Series for the American Amateur Baseball Congress. He played in numerous state and regional tournaments in AABC. He was also picked up by other teams to play. He played AABC up to his high school days. He was a utility infielder and pitcher. He didn't care what position the coaches would put him as long as he was playing. He was very talented at a very early age we noticed he was ambidextrous. He would write with his right hand but would pick up a stick or bat and swing with his left. In kicking a soccer ball he could control the ball with either foot, depending which side the ball was coming from. This was not something he learned-it came naturally to him. The first sport he played was soccer. He was a very competitive person. During his early years of soccer he was an excellent offensive player. When he was in second grade he entered a soccer skills competition for his age group and won first place in the City. He advanced to a state competition and won fourth place in State. During his later years he suffered from mental illness, but he loved video games, shopping, watching movies, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with family, and was especially endeared by his nieces and nephews. He was an entrepreneur and a very gifted artist who practiced his art through tattoo design. Leonard was a very outgoing, friendly person who was instantly liked by all who crossed his path in life. For all this and so much more mere words cannot describe how profoundly he will be missed. Leonard is survived by his father Al Banegas and companion Marie Caisido; mother Diane Duran and companion Guadalupe Holguin; brothers Ramon R.V. Rivera and Alvino-Rey Banegas; maternal grandmother Pauline Duran; aunts Renae Chavez and husband Jerry, Rita Duran, Irene Banegas, Pat Garcia, Kat Lopez and husband Alfred and Theresa Bigott and companion Doug. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. Leonard was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather George Duran; paternal grandparents C.Y. and Isabel Banegas; stepmother Margaret Banegas; cousins Krista Navarro, Nick Bigott and Ernie Rel Jr. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005 at Getz Funeral Home Chapel where a prayer vigil will follow at 7:00 PM. The funeral mass is at 10:00 AM on Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral with Fr. Bill Coughlin officiating. Rite of Committal for Leonard's cremains will be held at a later date in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Columbarium. Pallbearers will be Jerry Chavez, Paul and Steve Barela, Lawrence Montes, Billy Tomasula, Luis Navarro, Gilbert Rel and James Bustamante. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 2101 Wilson Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. 1-800-950 NAMI. BROKEN CHAIN We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name in life we loved you dearly in death we do the same it broke our hearts to lose you you did not go alone: for part of us went with you the day God called you home you left us peaceful memories your love is still our guides: and though we cannot see you you are always at our side. our family chain is broken and nothing is the same: but as God calls us one by one. The Chain will link again. PDF Printable Version