Melquiades "Mel" Romo Holguin

Melquiades R. "Mel" Holguin, a devoted public servant, proud New Mexican, father, and grandfather whose remarkable career took him from the fields of southern New Mexico to diplomatic service around the world, passed away on June 16, 2026, at the age of 94.

Mel was born on December 10, 1931, in an adobe home in Mesquite, New Mexico, to Cirilo Holguin of Jiménez, Durango, Mexico, and Maria Romo Holguin of León, Guanajuato, Mexico. The second of twelve children, he grew up in a close-knit family where hard work, education, and service to others were enduring values. Spanish was his first language, and as a child and young man he worked alongside his family as tenant farmers, first in Mesquite, New Mexico, then in La Cruz, Chihuahua, Mexico, and later at the Simpson Farm west of Las Cruces.

He graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1952 and served in the United States Army in the Panama Canal Zone from 1954 to 1956, continuing his military service in the Army Reserve for another six and a half years. After returning home, he joined the Las Cruces Police Department and, in 1958, helped establish the New Mexico State University Police Department. While serving his community, he earned a degree in History and Government from New Mexico State University and, in 1963, began a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of State's Agency for International Development, Office of Public Safety.

For more than three decades, Mel served around the world as a police instructor, advisor, and diplomat, with assignments in Panama, Washington, D.C., the Dominican Republic, South Vietnam, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Haiti, Pakistan, and Turkey. Along the way, his family shared in the adventure, living with him in many of the countries where he served. After 41 years of public service at the city, state, and federal levels, he retired from the Department of State in 1995 and returned to Las Cruces in 1997.

A proud Democrat, Mel believed deeply in public service and giving back to his community and country. Though quiet and reserved by nature, he was known for thoughtfully recounting the many adventures and experiences that shaped his life—often in great detail. 

Above all, Mel treasured his family. He is survived by his five beloved children: Ina Reuther of Seattle; Olga Holguin of Las Cruces; Abel Holguin, Neri Holguin, and Clara Hardgrave of Albuquerque; his grandchildren, Hannah Reuther, Kayla Reuther, Lucas Romo Hardgrave, and Francesca Hardgrave; and by Maria J. Franco, mother of their children. He also leaves behind his siblings, Neri Finney, Manuela Bunch, Concepción "Tita" Feltner, Lupe Holguin, Rose Dominguez, Ramona Neely, Jesús "Chuy" Holguin, and Andrew Holguin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Mel shared his later years with his longtime companion, Josie Peña.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cirilo and Maria Romo Holguin; his brothers, Ignacio and John M. Holguin; and his sister, Augustina "Tina" Claghorn.

From an adobe home in Mesquite to representing the United States around the world, Mel's life reflected kindness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service. Though his work took him across the globe, New Mexico was always home, and he was grateful to spend his final years in Las Cruces, surrounded by family and lifelong friends.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, integrity, and the example he set through a life of service.

A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1240 S. Espina St., Las Cruces. Interment will follow immediately after the Mass at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 5140 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NMSU Police Chiefs Current Use Fund (Fund No. 100220), which supports the New Mexico State University Police Department. Donations may be made online at: https://alwaysanaggie.org/donate/nmsu-police-chiefs/