Sam Serna Jr.
December 15, 1934 — March 1, 2024
Sam Serna Jr. passed away in his home on March 1st, 2024. He was born December 15, 1934, and was one of seven children of Sam Sr. and Matilde Serna, all of whom preceded him in death.
He also survived the loss of his beloved wife, Donna Lou Lange and two children, Jeffrey Scott and Valerie and one granddaughter, Alia. He is survived by his son, Greggry, six grandchildren and 1...
Sam Serna Jr. passed away in his home on March 1st, 2024. He was born December 15, 1934, and was one of seven children of Sam Sr. and Matilde Serna, all of whom preceded him in death.
He also survived the loss of his beloved wife, Donna Lou Lange and two children, Jeffrey Scott and Valerie and one granddaughter, Alia. He is survived by his son, Greggry, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Sam was born in Grants, NM and spent his early childhood in San Rafael, NM before moving to Vallejo, California where his father died when Sam was 13. At the age of 16, Sam joined the Army after lying about his age. Once his misrepresentation was discovered, he was allowed to stay in the Army, accomplishing his goal of supporting his mother. Sam served in the Army with distinction for twenty years, retiring as a First Sergeant. His career took him to many places including Germany, Korea, Panama and two tours in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was cited for his heroism several times. He was awarded the Bronze Star Metal with three (3) Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with Valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Upon retirement, Sam began a second career in financial services starting with the company that help him transition from the Army to the civilian world. Eventually, he and a partner started a company, Gold Cypress Financial Services, in Salinas California. After they sold the company, Sam went into the auto repair business, setting up shop as Sa...
Sam Serna Jr. passed away in his home on March 1st, 2024. He was born December 15, 1934, and was one of seven children of Sam Sr. and Matilde Serna, all of whom preceded him in death.
He also survived the loss of his beloved wife, Donna Lou Lange and two children, Jeffrey Scott and Valerie and one granddaughter, Alia. He is survived by his son, Greggry, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Sam was born in Grants, NM and spent his early childhood in San Rafael, NM before moving to Vallejo, California where his father died when Sam was 13. At the age of 16, Sam joined the Army after lying about his age. Once his misrepresentation was discovered, he was allowed to stay in the Army, accomplishing his goal of supporting his mother. Sam served in the Army with distinction for twenty years, retiring as a First Sergeant. His career took him to many places including Germany, Korea, Panama and two tours in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was cited for his heroism several times. He was awarded the Bronze Star Metal with three (3) Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with Valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Upon retirement, Sam began a second career in financial services starting with the company that help him transition from the Army to the civilian world. Eventually, he and a partner started a company, Gold Cypress Financial Services, in Salinas California. After they sold the company, Sam went into the auto repair business, setting up shop as Sam’s Old Volks Home, which he ran until it was time to retire again.
Sam and Donna moved to Las Cruces, NM. Sam stated that one of the fondest memories of his life was when he went to Washington D.C. with Honor Flight of southern NM and El Paso. Here he visited the Memorials built to honor the selfless service of Veterans. He stated that the trip finally gave him closure on issues he had been dealing with since his time in Vietnam. John Poland was proud to be Sam’s sponsor on this trip. Sam is a Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 1119 in Las Cruces and also served as the State President of the New Mexico Elks. He was an active member of the Service Corps of Retired Executives. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of of America Post 431 and a life member of American Legion Post 10, as well as the Elks.
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