W. Ron Camunez

W. Ron Camuez Life-long community and political leader W. Ron Camuez died at age 62. Ron was a member of a pioneer family of the Mesilla Valley whose legacy extends for over six generations. Ron was born to Barney and Alice (Garcia) Camuez on August 8, 1954 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He graduated from Las Cruces High School and attended New Mexico State University. He owned several businesses in the area and most recently owned W. R. Camuez & Associates a management/safety and political consulting firm. He served as President of the Las Cruces Noon Lions Club in 1985-86. In 1983, he was elected the State Chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of New Mexico and was also a charter member of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly in Washington, D.C. He served on the Executive and Central Committees for the Republican Party of New Mexico and was Secretary of the Republican Party of Dona Ana County and member of the County Central Committee. He was the past President of the Republican Club of Dona Ana County in 1983. He ran for Probate Judge in 1980 and was a candidate for County Commissioner District 3. In 1981, he was honored by the Governor Bruce King for his outstanding business and community leadership and was awarded the rank of Colonel, Aid-de-Camp in the United States Army in the State of New Mexico. He was a past member of the Masonic Lodges in Anthony, NM and Aztec Lodge in Las Cruces. He was a charter member of Dona Ana Daylight Lodge in 1976 located in Mesilla Park, NM. He served in various officer positions in the fraternity. He was also a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple. In 1973, the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay recognized Ron for his service to the organization when he was awarded "The Chevalier Degree." That year the award was also presented to Walter Cronkite and former President Gerald R. Ford. He was a life member of the Order of DeMolay and served as Master Councilor for the Las Cruces Chapter Order of DeMolay and served as an officer in the state organization. He was the past Illustrious Knight Commander of the New Mexico Knighthood Priory and received various awards and honors for his contributions to DeMolay. He was involved in political civic, educational and religious organizations throughout his lifetime. He served as the Secretary for years of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the City of Las Cruces/Dona Ana County and was as volunteer with the Office of Emergency Management. He was a past Director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross Chapter of Southern New Mexico. He was an ordained Elder in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was devoted to his faith. He was active in local politics for most of his adult life. He was a commissioner of the original Home Rule Charter Commission in 1985, which lead to the current system of city government. In 1986 he was selected for inclusion in "Outstanding Young Men of America" and "Who's Who in America" for his service to his community, state and nation. He was a member of the board of directors for the Las Cruces Senior Citizen Corporation at Munson Senior Center. Ron ran several campaigns for governor candidates and was actively involved in the elections of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush; Senators Pete Domenici and former astronaut and U.S. Senator Harrison (Jack) Schmidt, Congressmen Joe Skeen and Steve Pearce and other state and local candidates. He is survived by mother Alice Montoya of Las Cruces, NM and sisters Delilah Chavez and husband Tommy of Colorado Springs; Desiree Diaz and husband Richard from Phoenix, AZ. He leaves behind 3 nephews, 1 niece and 2 great nephews, 2 great nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Barney A. Camuez. A funeral service for Ron Camuez will be held on Wednesday at Getz Funeral Home at 11:00am. A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest immediately following the funeral service. PDF Printable Version Service Information
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 11:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

5140 W. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007